A total of ten teams accepted the invitation from the German Agricultural Society (DLG), which organised the traditional competition this year. This tournament has been bringing together trade fair companies from all over Europe for decades. Having long since extended beyond table rankings and prizes, it is a chance to see familiar faces and a place for interacting with people from other countries and for raising the bar for sporting performance – combined with the knowledge that networking on the soccer pitch is sometimes every bit as effective as at trade fairs themselves.
Adapting to the heatwave
When the group draw took place on the evening of Friday, 26 June, it was clear that special conditions would apply to this year’s tournament. With temperatures of over 40 degrees, some last-minute rethinking was necessary. As a result, teams of just nine players competed on a reduced-size pitch, and the match time was shortened to seven minutes per half as well.
With additional water breaks and free access to the nearby open-air swimming pool, the hot-weather concept proved to be both pragmatic and effective, helping all teams to cope with the heat throughout the day of the tournament.
Tight control but no goals
Messe Frankfurt’s first match was against NürnbergMesse. Our team was in the driving seat for most of the game, put up a solid defence and created more chances for itself than the opposition. However, the Nuremberg team defended valiantly and the match ended in a goalless draw. It was one of those games in which the commitment, energy and fighting spirit was in no way reflected in the result.
Our team also held their own against the traditionally strong Deutsche Messe Hannover. But in spite of some skilful passing and extensive possession, the team from Hanover hit the target twice, securing them a 2-0 victory.
Of course, this meant that we needed a solid result in the remaining two group matches in order to reach the semi-final stage.
First-time goal and a special debut
The Messe Frankfurt team finally got the break they deserved in the third group game, beating the All-Star Team of the Messe Cup 1-0 in a game that was not spectacular yet very important. Following a set piece, Nico Artelt converted a pass by Christopher Gerz to take the lead, keeping alive hopes of the team reaching the semi-final.
This match also marked a key moment for BSG soccer: it was the first time since Messe Frankfurt rejoined the international trade fair soccer tournament after the pandemic that a woman – Marie Hornig – was part of the squad. The BSG would love to hear from other soccer-loving female colleagues who would like to join the team as well.
Our players also received plenty of support from the stands, with fans setting off early from Frankfurt to cheer them on – in spite of the high temperatures – and creating additional momentum with their drums, posters and loud cheering.
Before the final group match against home team DLG, it was clear that nothing less than a win would earn them a place in the semi-finals.
Just one goal short
Once again, Messe Frankfurt held its own, remaining firmly in control for large swathes of the game, creating several good opportunities and maintaining a solid defence. However, DLG’s disciplined defenders kept the ball out of their net, resulting in a scoreless draw.
In the end, a single goal was all that prevented Messe Frankfurt from being one of the last four teams standing. Because of the relentless heat, the semi-final matches took the form of a penalty shoot-out. It was the tournament hosts DLG who were knocked out at this point, together with Messe Berlin.
A worthy winner, an excellent host
In the final, last year’s winners Fiera Milano successfully defended their title, beating Deutsche Messe Hannover once again.
The superb tournament organisation will also be remembered for many years to come. With a flexibly adapted hot-weather concept, immaculately prepared sports facilities, free access to an outdoor swimming pool and an atmospheric evening event held among displays of historical agricultural machinery, DLG was an outstanding host that created a perfect mixture of sporting contest and sector get-together.
Next stop: Hanover
Even though the Messe Frankfurt team narrowly missed out on a place in the semi-finals, there was much to admire about their performance. On the team’s 40th anniversary, its tightly-knit current line-up cut an impressive figure throughout much of their matches and only conceded two goals during the entire tournament. There was plenty of action, just not enough points on the scoreboard.
However, the next international Trade Fair Soccer Cup will be hosted by Deutsche Messe in Hanover between 18 and 20 June 2027 – and it’s safe to say that the sense of anticipation already began in Groß-Umstadt! Needless to say, we would love new players and fans to join us next year in Hanover.