The relatively early decider in Thursday‘s UEFA Cup semi final second leg against Espanyol Barcelona has at least one positive aspect. Werder could reduce the level of aggression in the game, take the foot off the pedal...
The relatively early decider in Thursday‘s UEFA Cup semi final second leg against Espanyol Barcelona has at least one positive aspect. Werder could reduce the level of aggression in the game, take the foot off the pedal...
The relatively early decider in Thursday‘s UEFA Cup semi final second leg against Espanyol Barcelona has at least one positive aspect. Werder could reduce the level of aggression in the game, take the foot off the pedal and focus on not risking any injuries as once again in this season, the Green-Whites have little time to recuperate ahead of their next match. On Sunday, 06.05.2007 at 5pm, Werder Bremen will have yet another ‘Final’ to play when they take to the pitch against Hertha BSC Berlin. With their UEFA Cup dreams dashed, Werder can now pour all of their energy into the closing stage of the Bundesliga. To avoid the Bundesliga title slipping out of reach, the Green-Whites will have to avoid a fourth game on the trot without a win, and only three points will really do. “We have to make use of the chances that come our way”, demanded Thomas Schaaf and went on: “It’s time we made a decisive point again.”
‘Decisive points’ - Werder have slipped back to third in the table following the disappointing defeat in Bielefeld last Sunday but are still just two points adrift of league leaders Schalke. VfB Stuttgart’s win on Saturday saw them leap-frog Bremen into second place, just a point behind the top side. VfB play Mainz on Saturday and at the same time, Schalke will face Nuremberg, giving both sides the chance of a psychological advantage, but either way, the three points which are up for grabs in the German capital on Sunday could prove decisive. Th game is of equally great importance for Hertha who are just four points short of seventh place and UEFA Cup involvement next season. Until the 20th match day of the season, Berlin were sitting pretty in seventh place themselves but a run of eight games without a win saw them drop down to ninth. Karsten Heine took over the trainer position from Falko Götz and has had his ups and downs, starting with a 3:1 win in Bielefeld, then a 0:1 defeat at home by Dortmund before managing a 4:0 win in Aachen. Things could well be looking up for Hertha. The club from the capital had set themselves the pre-season goal of European participation for next season but if they are to do so then they will all three points, following five failed attempts at a win in front of their own fans. Thomas Schaaf has been warned: “They’re going to want to take their chance. After the criticism they have received of late, they are going to want something more successful.” Statistics don’t give us a very clear view of things either. Werder have won three of their last four games at the Olympia Stadium (with one draw) but Berlin have won 12 of the 25 home games they’ve played against Bremen.
‘Decisive points’ – Werder’s recent cup defeat could have further influence on the outcome of the game. The game looked to be shifting in Werder’s favour but soon things changed : an early goal, early red card, midfield battle but finally bitter defeat. ”That match really cost some headaches”, explained Thomas Schaaf but it’s not only the pain that remains: “On Sunday we’ll be fit again and have the energy to accept the next challenge. The anger and frustration from the Barcelona game will surely help us.” The team agree and see the defeat as a chance – Torsten Frings stated: “I think we’ll show a reaction and take all of our frustration out onto the pitch”. Christian Schulz added: “Heart and passion – always confident that we can achieve our goal and believe we can take the title.”
‘Decisive points’ – The personnel situation for both sides couldn’t be different and could equally play a major roll in the game. Hertha have almost a complete squad to choose from with the only absentees being Cagara and Boateng. Werder on the other hand are initially without the long term injured Borowski, Mertesacker and Klasnic. To add to that list, trainer Schaaf has also to compensate for the suspensions of Aaron Hunt, Hugo Almeida and, most painful of all, Naldo. The Brazilian has had a stunning season, scoring six goals and missing only one previous game, in Leverkusen on the second match day of the season. With eight goals conceded in the last three games, the defence is in question. Thomas Schaaf hasn’t leaked too much information though: “We’ve had several candidates this season who can all play the central roll in the defence. I’d consider Baumann, Fritz, Vranjes or even Christian Schulz.” He question remains as to who the newly formed back four will have to face. Hertha’s top scorer Marko Pantelic scored his twelfth goal of the season against Aachen but, for only the second time this season, was not in the starting eleven. Karsten Heine prefers a system with a lone striker and that could mean Christian Gimenez (11 goals) gets the nod.
Johnnie Muldoon
