HSV 0 - Borussia Dortmund 2
Any HSV fans who thought that after seeing them lose 1-4 in Schalke last week, that things could only get better...were proved wrong this afternoon, as Klaus Toppmöller's side were simply outclassed by Borussia Dortmund in front of 52,000 in the AOL Arena. The visitors fully deserved their 2-0 win, and had class players on show like Frings, and especially Jan Koller who was simply superb.
HSV's defensive line was leaky to say the least. It took only 8 miutes for the visitors to go in front, as Frings capitalised on a mistake by Mahdavikia who failed to clear his lines. The German international midfielder who has been in sparkling form since his return from a long injury lay-off connected with a pass from Dede to score from 10 yards out.
The home side were visibly shaken by the early setback, and the visitors continued to refuse the home side any time to settle. Dortmund strung some superb passing combinations together and always seemed to have more time on the ball. They tackled every HSV player as soon as he had possession and that made the home side even more nervous.
The Czech-Republic international "Man-Mountain" Jan Koller, almost capitalised on the home side's nerves as he forced Stefan Wächter into a fabulous reflex save as a cross by Frings caused havoc in the HSV penalty area. The resulting corner (also by Frings) was back-headed by Kehl to Koller, who gleefully scored from close range without a defender in sight on 28 minutes.
Dortmund's second goal seemed to act as a wake up call for HSV. On the half hour mark the Borussia keeper Warmuz foiled a double chance as he saved brilliantly from first Barbarez and then Romeo. Nothing much happened until half time apart from the Brazilian striker Ewerthon, who missed a gilt-edged opportunity to put Dortmund further ahead. Coach Sammer's men went into the half time break well worth their two goal lead. HSV left the pitch to an ear-splitting cresendo of whistles from the home fans.
Klaus Toppmöller brought on Takahara for Kling at the start of the second half, but the "Sushi-Bomber" was taken off injured 10 minutes later, before he could make any kind of impression on the game. HSV did improve somewhat in the second half as far as tackling was concerned, but the cold hard facts tell the true story... HSV never had a single chance during the second 45 minutes. Dortmund didn't have that problem at all. a brilliant solo run by the former Arsenal youngster Guy Demel put Koller in and he only narrowly missed scoring his second goal of the game by inches on 61 minutes. Gambino went close on 68 minutes after a mistake by Hollerbach.
Dortmund had further chances to extend their lead, but in the end just played out for time, with the home side rarely threatening. Romeo had a good chance for a consolation goal, but rushed his chance while in space at the far post. It was HSV's first home defeat since August 2003, now they must travel to meet 1860 Munich (17.4.04, kick-off 3.30 pm), and try to win their first away game for five matches.
Match details:
HSV: Wächter - Wicky, Hoogma, Ujfalusi, Hollerbach - Mahdavikia, Schlicke, Jarolim, Kling - Romeo, Barbarez - Trainer: Toppmöller
Borussia Dortmund: Warmuz - Demel, S. Reuter, Wörns, Jensen - Frings, Kehl, Dede - Gambino, Koller, Ewerthon - Trainer: Sammer
Goals: 0:1 Frings (8.), 0:2 Koller (28.)
Referee: Kircher
Att: 52204
Yellow cards: Hollerbach, Barbarez, Schlicke + Reuter
source: hsv.de.
