Hertha finish in fourth at 2018 Wintercup
Hertha finish in fourth at 2018 Wintercup
The Blue-Whites lost to Köln and Hannover in the 2018 Wintercup in Bielefeld on Saturday.
Hertha Berlin lost both of their matches at the 2018 Wintercup in Bielefeld this weekend. Pál Dárdai’s team were beaten by 1. FC Köln in the semi-final on penalties and lost to Hannover 96 in the play-off for third place.
The second game of the day for Hertha saw both teams set up to attack and create goal scoring opportunities before the break, but Hannover’s Harnik and Berlin’s very own Per Skjelbred both hit the bar. Maier, however, made the most of his opportunity and curled the ball into the top corner in the 27th minute to put Hannover in front. Hertha started well after the break, but Hannover looked the more dangerous side on the counter. Julian Schieber nearly found the equaliser for Hertha on his first appearance for the club for almost a year, but Esser parried the striker’s shot away.
Earlier in the day, the Blue-Whites lost their semi-final against 1. FC Köln 4-1 on penalties. Hertha were definitely the stronger side in the first thirty minutes, but then the intense week of training began to take its toll. Captain Peter Pekarik had the first chance to put Hertha in front in the 15th minute, but failed to convert his shot. Vladimir Darida made his comeback after being out injured for a few months and nearly provided Salomon Kalou with an assist, but the striker could not keep his header on target. In the second half, Köln had more possession but failed to find the net as they looked to secure their place in the final. The match ended up going to penalties, where the Billy Goats triumphed.
Hertha to begin training on Tuesday
The boys will complete a recovery training session when they return to Berlin on Sunday. Then, the players will have a day off before returning to training on Tuesday to prepare for next Saturday’s Bundesliga match against VfB Stuttgart.
Match facts:
Hertha XI vs. Köln: Jarstein- Pekarik, Stark, Langkamp, Plattenhardt – Esswein, Lustenberger, Darida, Kalou –Lazaro, Selke
Hertha XI vs. Hannover: Klinsmann, Haraguchi, Friede, Torunarigha, Mittelstädt – Leckie, Skjelbred, Stocker, Duda – Schieber, Ibisevic
Hertha Berlin lost both of their matches at the 2018 Wintercup in Bielefeld this weekend. Pál Dárdai’s team were beaten by 1. FC Köln in the semi-final on penalties and lost to Hannover 96 in the play-off for third place.