After the disappointing kick-off of the season's second half against the German champions Dortmund, Werder Bremen face a special challenge on Sunday 27 January 2013 at 3:30 p.m. against Hamburg in the North Derby. The two...
After the disappointing kick-off of the season's second half against the German champions Dortmund, Werder Bremen face a special challenge on Sunday 27 January 2013 at 3:30 p.m. against Hamburg in the North Derby. The two...
After the disappointing kick-off of the season's second half against the German champions Dortmund, Werder Bremen face a special challenge on Sunday 27 January 2013 at 3:30 p.m. against Hamburg in the North Derby. The two northern Germany rivals are facing off for the 98th time on the 19th match day.
The some 4,500 Werder fans expected to travel to Hamburg for the match hope that the Green-Whites can extend their current three-game winning streak in the derby and forget once and for all the disappointing match against Dortmund. But head coach Thomas Schaaf said the Hamburg match will not be about making amends. "The game is over. The 90 minutes are passed. Now we can only do better the next time. I hope and expect that," said the coach.
Schaaf's team ready, expects pressure from opponents
Schaaf knows that this match is very special despite both teams being near the middle of the table. "I think that the derbies will always retain their appeal. The derbies were always full of emotions and excitement just because of the basic rivalry and because you just wanted to win," said Schaaf. And the coach expects the same thing on Sunday. "It will be an intensive match. They will try to create constant pressure on us. It will come down to us freeing ourselves and playing our match. Both teams are trying to improve their current situation."

Hamburg with van der Vaart
Hamburg also had a disappointing start to 2013 with only a draw in Nuremberg. Hamburg are currently ninth on the table with 25 points - three points and three spots ahead of Bremen.
Unlike in the Green-Whites' 2-0 win in the season's first match-up, Hamburg will have the services of Rafael van der Vaart. "He can do special things, looks to score and can also make the decisive pass. Whenever you have such an experienced and good player, that can lead to an improvement in performance," said Schaaf.
But Bremen must be prepared for a lot more than just the Dutch playmaker. After initial struggles, Artjoms Rudnevs has developed into a real force in the Hamburg attack. The Latvian has scored his team's last three goals and is Hamburg's top scorer with seven tallies. In addition, Hamburg coach Thorsten Fink will likely have his top line-up available save for defender Michael Mancienne, who will likely be replaced by Jeffrey Bruma.
