In the mood for goals: Hertha hit 7

The first match of a two-game day saw head coach Sandro Schwarz use a 4-2-3-1 formation on the pitch against SIMA Montverde Academy. Tjark Ernst started the match in goal; ahead of the 19-year-old ‘keeper was captain Peter Pekarík, Pascal Klemens, Márton Dárdai and Julian Eitschberger in a back four. Ivan Šunjić and Suat Serdar were in midfield, with Dodi Lukébakio, Stevan Jovetić and Myziane Maolida in behind lone striker Jessic Ngankam.

Four goals in 18 minutes

The perfect conditions on Wednesday afternoon set the scene for a strong Hertha start: Jovetić curled over the bar in just the second minute. With more of the ball and lots of possession, the Blue-Whites were often able to get into good attacking positions: With 10 minutes gone, our number 19 hit the side netting with another long-range drive. A few short minutes later, the first goal came, and the Montenegrin was again heavily involved – he sent Lukébakio through on goal, who fed Myziane for the opener on 17 minutes. Five minutes later and the lead was doubled, as Serdar created his own goal with a perfect solo effort (22’). Another five minutes passed, and another goal, as Jovetić flicked in a Serdar shot to make it three, before Ngankam tapped home a rebound for the fourth after Lukébakio hit the post, 10 minutes before half time.

Jovetić hits hat-trick, Lukébakio scores seventh

The second half began with a change in the Hertha goal, as Leon Cuk came in. That was the only alteration, though, as the team continued where they left off in terms of the performance. A wonderful passing move saw our number 19 score his second, and Hertha’s fifth, after 51 minutes. Just under a quarterof an hour later, the ‘Jove’ bagged his hat-trick, finishing high off the crossbar after Lukébakio’s cut-back (65’). As the game wound down, the Old Lady did not let up, creating several chances to add to the scoreline – the hat-trick man almost scored a fourth, but his curling effort was denied by the goalkeeper on 77 minutes. With seven minutes to go, Dodi got his goal – Myziane played him through, and the Belgian put the icing on the cake for 7-0.

Hertha BSC: Ernst (46’ Cuk) – Pekarík (C), Klemens, Dárdai, Eitschberger – Šunjić, Serdar – Lukébakio, Jovetić, Myziane – Ngankam

Goals: 1-0 Myziane (17’), 2-0 Serdar (22’), 3-0 Jovetić (27’), 4-0 Ngankam (35’), 5-0 Jovetić (51’), 6-0 Jovetić (65’), 7-0 Lukébakio (83’)

Referee: Santiago Lorenzo

Yellow cards: Cisset

Venue: IMG Academy, Bradenton, FL