Since joining Hamburger SV from CSKA Moscow, Ivica Olić has become a fan favourite notably for his tough work-ethic and timely production. In the Nord derby today he not only settled the match with a explosive goal to give Hamburg the 2-1 victory but also served up a tidy bit of payback to Tim Wiese for his grievous foul last year.In front of a sell-out crowd at HSH Nordbank Arena, Hamburg cracked down on the Green Whites painfully inept defensive only six minutes after the opening whistle as Paolo Guerrero jumped on a rebound off Mladen Petrić free-kick. In hindsight it was a tough goal to stomach as Werder could easily be said to have played their most disciplined match of the season and provided Martin Jol's few opportunities. However eighteen minutes later Diego brought the match equal as he struck as his free-kick sailed over the wall and glanced off 'keeper Frank Rost's mitts and into the net. Through the balance of the half, Werder created a number of opportunities but couldn't muster up the final touch. The second half started with both sides on the hunt for goals but final third defending was textbook and advances were thwarted. Finally, out of the blue with sixteen minutes remaining Croatian capped Ivica Olić hammered a drive to the far post from twenty-meters out to bring the crowd to their feet. Looking for the equalizer, Werder went on the attack but Hamburg held strong and turned aside each attempt to hand the visitors a 2-1 defeat.
Werder played a brilliant match and showed elements to their game that we haven't seen in quite some time and in essence the match was decided with a stunning individual effort. While disappointment is only natural it is equally something that can be built upon.
