Bayern Munich easily roll over Hamburger SV, 3-1, in the DFB Pokal

In the last two seasons, a cup tie with Hamburger SV would ordinarily be greeted with both derision and a casual dismissal. However, after an inept looking draw by Bayern Munich against Hamburg weeks ago in the Bundesliga and the recent development of organization under new coach Josef Zinnbauer, there was every reason for Bayern Munich to come into the match with questions.

Luckily Heiko Westermann answered those questions immediately, as just seven minutes into the match the Hamburg centerback committed a massive brain fart that was just the first of many as Bayern Munich strolled to an easy 3-1 win at the Imtech Arena.

In the 7th minute, Heiko Westermann was under pressure near his own touchline by Thomas Muller. In a disastrous decision, he played a horrifically poor ball to Jaroslav Drobny that never actually reached the Hamburger SV goalkeeper. Picking up the loose ball, Thomas Müller drew out Drobny before dishing the ball to the onrushing Robert Lewandowski. The Polish striker's effort on a wide open goal was saved by a dramatic goal line clearance from Johan Djourou. However the ensuing rebound fell directly back to the Polish striker who didn't leave any room for doubt on his second attempt.

In the 20th minute, Thomas Muller found himself the recipient of a fantastic through ball that bypassed the entirety of the Hamburg defense, before rounding Drobny and easily tapping home for the goal. However, the head referee adjudged that David Alaba had redirected the pass and the Muller was offside at the time of the re-direct. There was certainly some doubt as to the validity of the goal, but not doubt of the fact that Bayern Munich easily penetrated the high-line and poor defensive structure of Hamburg.

Shortly before halftime David Alaba made it 2-0 with a thunderous shot nigh on 40 yards from goal. The goal was a piece of  true majesty as the ball knuckled, dived, and swerved, completely fooling Jaroslav Drobny who could only manage a half-hearted save attempt, the read being so difficult.

From there on out it was a routine exercise for Bayern Munich as Franck Ribery earned Bayern Munich their third goal of the match ten minutes after halftime with a goal reminiscent of some of his best in a Bayern Munich jersey. Ribery  received the ball inside the Hamburg half and took it straight down the left side before cutting in, evading two defenders and unleashing a near post strike. While the shot seemed headed off target before it took a wicked deflection off Johan Djourou, it's was a very encouraging sequence of play from the French international who has struggled with fitness and injury over the last year.

A late consolation goal from Hamburg at the hands of Pierre Michel Lasogga and Rafael Van der Vaart gave the hoards of Hamburger fans something to cheer for and Bayern Munich fans something to nash their teeth over. Despite that, it was hardly an important moment in a contest that Bayern Munich thoroughly dominated from start to finish.