Five goal fest in a Friday friendly

As is tradition in friendlies, Pal Dardai rung the changes at half-time during against Wismar. The only player to play the full 90 minutes was young goalkeeper Leon Schaffran. Florian Baak was also introduced before half time in somewhat comical circumstances. Karim Rekik received a red card for a professional foul early on, before both managers made the unique decision to carry on playing the game with 11 men on both sides, mean Baak was brought on to ensure there were 22 players on the field. 

A quiet first half saw only once goal, as Vedad Ibisevic tucked home to open the scoring midway through the 45.

The game came to life in the second period, as Valentin Stocker finished off a neat move involving Sinan Kurt, Alex Esswein and Palko Dardai to make it 2-0. Duda made it three from the spot soon after following a foul on Dardai before a splendid free kick from Mitchell Weiser made it 4. Great work from Duda then allowed Kurt to make it five in the final few moments. Wismar were able to pick up a late consolation. 

“I wasn’t happy with the first 20 minutes but we were much better after that. Valentin Stocker was excellent after the break and we all know how good Mitchell Weiser can be,” said Dardai after the game. The next trip for Hertha will be the Duisburg Cup this Sunday. 

Line-ups:

1. Half: Schaffran - Pekarik, Langkamp, Rekik (15. Baak), Mittelstädt - Skjelbred, Kade - Leckie, Covic, Haraguchi - Ibisevic

2. Half: Schaffran - Weiser, Lustenberger, Baak, Plattenhardt - Maier, Stocker - Dárdai, Duda, Kurt - EssweinAs is tradition in friendlies, Pal Dardai rung the changes at half-time during against Wismar. The only player to play the full 90 minutes was young goalkeeper Leon Schaffran. Florian Baak was also introduced before half time in somewhat comical circumstances. Karim Rekik received a red card for a professional foul early on, before both managers made the unique decision to carry on playing the game with 11 men on both sides, mean Baak was brought on to ensure there were 22 players on the field. A quiet first half saw only once goal, as Vedad Ibisevic tucked home to open the scoring midway through the 45.