Football United

HSV began its European campaign for this season, with a 2-2 (0-2) draw away to the Swiss side Thun, in the third round of the Intertoto Cup on Saturday afternoon (17.7.04). HSV was 0-2 down at half time, after goals from Dos Santo (28.) and Ramondi (31.) put the Swiss side in the driving seat.

A question of character

HSV showed great character in the second half, and a brace of goals by the Argentinean striker Bernardo Romeo (49./85) gave the Hamburg side hope for the second leg which will be played in the AOL Arena next Saturday (24.7.04, kick off 7.00 pm, live coverage on Premiere TV).

Hot stuff

The game was played in sweltering heat and HSV had the first chance as a van Buyten header shaved the crossbar after 9 minutes. His Belgian international team mate Emile Mpenza also went close as he forced a good save from the Thun keeper Coltori after 17 minutes.

Swiss on a roll...

Despite those early opportunities, it was the Swiss side which struck twice before half time as first Antonio Dos Santos finished well from an acute angle and then the referee gave a more than dubious penalty after Björn Schlicke was adjudged to have fouled an opponent while going for a header. Raimondis gave Stefan Wächter no chance from the spot, and the Swiss side, who had beaten VFL Wolfsburg out 7-3 on aggregate over two legs in the previous round, went into the break with a two goal lead.

Attack is the best form of defence

HSV came out for the second half and took the game to Thun. Their pressure was rewarded as Bernardo Romeo pulled a goal back following good work by Beinlich and Jarolim. Mpenza missed a sitter shortly afterwards, the Belgian blasted over from a couple of yards out. Thun sat back and concentrated on counter attacks.

Wächter on top

Stefan Wächter was called upon several times, as the Swiss showed why they deservedly dumped Wolfsburg out of the competition last week. There were half chances on both sides, with HSV pressing for an equaliser. Five minutes from time they got the goal they wanted as Jarolim set up Romeo again who finished well to give HSV a more than deserved draw.

Bernie over the moon

Bernardo Romeo was understandably delighted with his double whammy: "I am very happy with my brace of goals. But that was only the beginning. We have to work hard because we are no where near 100 %," said Romeo. Coach Klaus Toppmöller was full of praise for Berniegoal" as well: "He is a real goal poacher; everyone could see just how important he is for our team. I was happy with the way we battled back after we had disappointed in the first half. We were closer to victory than Thun. I am convinced that we can finish the job next Saturday in the AOL Arena," said Toppi.

HSV: Wächter - Schlicke, van Buyten, Wicky - Benjamin, Jarolim, Beinlich, Kling - Barbarez, Mpenza, Romeo

FC Thun: Coltorti - Hodzic, Renggeli, Cerrone, Gerber - Deumi, Rainondi, Aegerter, Lustrinneli (60. Ojong). Ferreira - dos Santos

Goals: 1:0 dos Santos (28.), 2:0 Ramondi (31.FE), 2:1/2:2 Romeo (49./85)

Source: HSV.de