Teams | November 6, 2012 at 03:17 PM
Fond memories of Duisburg
Fond memories of Duisburg
On 25.04.2011, a 1-0 victory away to MSV Duisburg saw Hertha BSC win promotion back to the top flight. On Monday (01.10.12, 20.15 CET), Jos Luhukay and his men return there for an eagerly-anticipated Bundesliga 2 matchday 8 clash. For some it will be a pleasant trip down memory lane, but not a stroll in the park.
Hertha travel to the Ruhr Valley on Monday night (01.10.12, 20.15 CET), where they round off Bundesliga 2 matchday eight with a match against bottom-placed MSV Duisburg at the tradition-steeped Schauinsland-Reisen-Arena. Hertha could be skipperless. A late fitness test on Sunday will determine whether or not Peter Niemeyer has recovered sufficiently from a thigh strain sustained during the 1-0 home win over Dynamo Dresden last time out. Luhukay is already without the services of long-term injured Christoph Janker, Pierre-Michel Lasogga, Shervin R. Fardi, Marvin Knoll and Daniel Beichler. Defender Levan Kobiashvilli is still suspended until the end of the year.
Hertha start the game against "The Zebras" in sixth place in the table. But their coach Luhukay knows that the Monday match will be anything but easy. He told the media at the pre-match press conference: "I watched their last home game against Bochum live. Their defence is not easy to play against and they are a tight unit. It will be a tough game. They are slowly gaining in confidence. We want maximum points from our two games before the break for internationals and will give our all to achieve that goal."
Two former "Zebras in Hertha's squad - Duisburg have a former "Herthaner" in their ranks
Hertha have two former Duisburg players in their squad. Chunky striker Sandro Wagner played there from 2008 and 2010, making his breakthrough into pro football. The 1,94 m tall goal-getter only had nice words to say about his former club this week. Wagner: "It is very much a family club. They have a huge following and locals really identify with MSV. They have a lovely stadium and it was fun playing for Duisburg. As I was there we had a really good team."
Hertha's "number 10" Änis Ben-Hatira played in Duisburg at the same time as Wagner. The Tunisian wore the Zebra shirt for a half season each (!) during the 2008/2009 and 2009/2010 seasons. It is a time which holds fond memories for him. He explained earlier this week: "Duisburg is one of the few clubs with true tradition. Their fans are behind the team to a man. They have a fine stadium and I enjoyed playing for them. I learnt a lot under Peter Neururer there. It was a brilliant experience and I met a lot of nice people during my time there." Duisburg have a face in their team which will be more than familiar to Hertha's travelling fans: Young Bulgarian striker Valeri Domovchiyski, who is very much looking forward to facing his former club. Domo: "I still get goosebumps when I think about Hertha's amazing fans. But the lads will have to win promotion without taking points off us. I want a win on Monday night for my team."
Duisburg -place of triumph
It was not too long ago. In fact it was April 26th 2011. Hertha were in the end stages of the division two season and faced MSV Duisburg away. Former Hertha midfielder Patrick Ebert crossed the ball in the 27th minute from right midfield to the far post. Adrian Ramos was lurking there to volley the ball into the far corner of the net to give the visitors a crucial 1-0 victory. That was the goal which saw Hertha promoted to the Bundesliga again.
The stakes are not as high on Monday night, but memories of that game could boost the visitors as they try to reach the automatic promotion places in the table.
Hertha start the game against "The Zebras" in sixth place in the table. But their coach Luhukay knows that the Monday match will be anything but easy. He told the media at the pre-match press conference: "I watched their last home game against Bochum live. Their defence is not easy to play against and they are a tight unit. It will be a tough game. They are slowly gaining in confidence. We want maximum points from our two games before the break for internationals and will give our all to achieve that goal."
Two former "Zebras in Hertha's squad - Duisburg have a former "Herthaner" in their ranks
Hertha have two former Duisburg players in their squad. Chunky striker Sandro Wagner played there from 2008 and 2010, making his breakthrough into pro football. The 1,94 m tall goal-getter only had nice words to say about his former club this week. Wagner: "It is very much a family club. They have a huge following and locals really identify with MSV. They have a lovely stadium and it was fun playing for Duisburg. As I was there we had a really good team."
Hertha's "number 10" Änis Ben-Hatira played in Duisburg at the same time as Wagner. The Tunisian wore the Zebra shirt for a half season each (!) during the 2008/2009 and 2009/2010 seasons. It is a time which holds fond memories for him. He explained earlier this week: "Duisburg is one of the few clubs with true tradition. Their fans are behind the team to a man. They have a fine stadium and I enjoyed playing for them. I learnt a lot under Peter Neururer there. It was a brilliant experience and I met a lot of nice people during my time there." Duisburg have a face in their team which will be more than familiar to Hertha's travelling fans: Young Bulgarian striker Valeri Domovchiyski, who is very much looking forward to facing his former club. Domo: "I still get goosebumps when I think about Hertha's amazing fans. But the lads will have to win promotion without taking points off us. I want a win on Monday night for my team."
Duisburg -place of triumph
It was not too long ago. In fact it was April 26th 2011. Hertha were in the end stages of the division two season and faced MSV Duisburg away. Former Hertha midfielder Patrick Ebert crossed the ball in the 27th minute from right midfield to the far post. Adrian Ramos was lurking there to volley the ball into the far corner of the net to give the visitors a crucial 1-0 victory. That was the goal which saw Hertha promoted to the Bundesliga again.
The stakes are not as high on Monday night, but memories of that game could boost the visitors as they try to reach the automatic promotion places in the table.