Only five weeks after the last giant north German clash between Werder Bremen and Hamburg SV, it's time for the next meeting which is already generating huge interest. The organisers are estimating to sell out the 8,000 capacity complex on Saturday.
Only five weeks after the last giant north German clash between Werder Bremen and Hamburg SV, it's time for the next meeting which is already generating huge interest. The organisers are estimating to sell out the 8,000 capacity complex on Saturday.
Only five weeks after the last giant north German clash between Werder Bremen and Hamburg SV, it's time for the next meeting which is already generating huge interest. The organisers are estimating to sell out the 8,000 capacity complex on Saturday. The record crowd is not uninfluenced by the how close the two are in the league table. A 1:1 draw was enough to secure second place for HSV with Werder breathing down their necks in third.
The fans in the north of Germany have always been drawn to the meeting of the big two and are well aware that both clubs offer football at the highest level. Werder made their first appearance in Kropp and have been there every year since 1992, as have HSV and both are familiar with the set up there.
The Green Whites have a history of success in Kropp. In a curious final to the tournament last year both Werder and HSV will be defending their title. A win on Saturday would mean Werder taking the Holsten-Cup back to the Weser for the fifth time in a row. The Green-Whites success in Kropp is clear to see with them having won the tournament every time they took part since 1999, starting then with a 2:0 win against HSV meaning Thomas Schaaf has won the trophy on each occasion. Back in 1998 was the last time Werder didn't win the cup, coming second after a 0:1, against, yes, HSV.
The most curious decision took place last year with the game tied a 2:2 after 90 minutes. With the penalty shoot out stand at 7:7, the fans could no longer contain themselves and stormed the pitch leaving the referee no choice but to abandon the match. Both sides were declared winners. Due to their longer trip home Werder were presented with the original trophy, HSV receiving a copy later.
There is no doubt that the events of last year play some part in the interest the game is creating. A penalty shoot out is also a possibility this year with no extra-time should the game be tied after 90 minutes.
"We always enjoy going to Kropp, you can really feel how much fascination surrounds this event", explained Thomas Schaaf who continued "It's of course always a pleasure for our players to play against HSV, everyone wants to prove himself." Tim Borowski could return for the tie. The midfielder missed out on Decembers match due to his groin operation and is now set for a comeback. Borowski took part in a training match on Wednesday and Thomas Schaaf commented warily: "As it now looks, Tim could be involved."
