FC OSS vs MSV Duisburg

Bookjans gave Duisburg the lead in the 21st minute, coolly finishing after the Zebras worked the ball through midfield. The forward's strike was the only goal of a contest that saw both sides rotating heavily, particularly after the hour mark.

Coach Dietmar Hirsch made 10 substitutions at the 61-minute mark, replacing virtually his entire outfield unit. The wholesale changes allowed Hirsch to assess his squad depth as Duisburg wrapped up a week-long training camp in Wageningen, Netherlands.

The match took an unusual turn late in the third period. After a robust challenge in midfield, tempers frayed and the referee ended the contest prematurely. According to RevierSport, words including "Fuck off" were directed at the official from one of the benches — it remains unclear which side — and the referee responded by calling time on the friendly with 15 minutes still to play.

Hirsch played down the incident when speaking to the media afterwards. "Emotions ran a bit high there for a moment," he said. "I think the referee could have let everyone catch their breath, take a sip of water in this heat, and then carry on."

MSV Duisburg's official website echoed the sentiment, describing the ending as "curious" and noting the match was played in "high-summer temperatures."

For Duisburg, the clean sheet was the third in four pre-season outings so far this summer. The backline, anchored by Tobias Fleckstein and Marvin Schlicke for the first hour before both were replaced, allowed little of note to a TOP Oss side that plays in the Dutch Eerste Divisie, one tier above Duisburg's 3. Liga status.

"It was a rather physical game with plenty of niggles," Hirsch told Media Sportservice. "We had a few concentration lapses, but you have to allow for that after eight days of training camp. We gained good insights — both positive and negative. We've worked intensively and now we'll take a couple of days to breathe."

Jakob Bookjans (MSV Duisburg) — The forward scored the decisive goal in the 21st minute and was a threat throughout his hour on the pitch before being replaced by Karim Safi. His movement off the ball caused problems for the OSS defence.

Tobias Fleckstein (MSV Duisburg) — The centre-back marshalled the defence during the first hour, ensuring TOP Oss created few clear-cut chances. His leadership at the back was a key factor in Duisburg's third clean sheet of pre-season.

Dietmar Hirsch (MSV Duisburg Coach) — The 54-year-old used the fixture to rotate squad members and test combinations across all positions. His post-match assessment was measured, acknowledging both the positives and the areas needing refinement ahead of the 3. Liga campaign.

The match was always intended as a fitness exercise rather than a competitive contest, with both sides making extensive substitutions. Duisburg's 10 changes at the hour mark meant the game's rhythm was disrupted, but the Zebras' defensive organisation remained intact throughout. The 1-0 scoreline reflected a contest where the German side were the sharper outfit, particularly in the opening phase when Bookjans struck. OSS struggled to carve out clear openings against a well-drilled Duisburg backline, and the Dutch side failed to find a response before the early conclusion.

MSV Duisburg, promoted back to 3. Liga for the 2026/27 season, continue their pre-season preparations with a third win in four friendlies. Their next test is away to Regionalliga side Bonner SC on Saturday 18 July, before the competitive season begins in August.

For FC OSS — who compete in the Eerste Divisie — the friendly was part of their own build-up to the 2026/27 campaign. They face further pre-season fixtures before the Dutch second division kicks off.

A pre-season friendly that will be remembered more for its unusual ending than its football. Bookjans' goal was the difference, and Duisburg's defensive solidity offers encouragement for the 3. Liga campaign ahead, but the short-circuited finish leaves an asterisk against this fixture. Hirsch's side will want smoother outings against Bonner SC and beyond as they build towards the season proper.