Sunday, March 1, 2009

Unglückliche Niederlage

Borussia's Rückrunde mission of faith and courage continued in very admirable performance losing 2-1 to first-place Hertha Berlin. Hans Meyer was dealt a tough hand when Tomáš Galásek was omitted from the lineup due to a stomach flu although Patrick Paauwe did well in his absence.

For the most part, Borussia showed extraordinary clarity in play and excluding the two goals were nearly empty of errors. After an early effort by Michael Bradley that was pushed aside by Berliner 'keeper Jaroslav Drobný, Borussia's assaults slowed. Just before the half hour Cícero took advantage of Borussia losing shape and sent a long ball to Andriy Voronin who lobbed the ball over Logan Bailly. Down by one, Borussia did not lose confidence and went hunting for the needed equalizer however the margin was doubled a minute before the break when Patrick Ebert played Pál Dárdai through and he sent the ball in from fourteen metres.

At the break it was time to call upon the great veteran and onto the pitch Oliver Neuville trotted. The great Mannschaft veteran's impact was swift and to the point. While chances were missed, it was clear that Borussia teemed with pride and embodied courage. Pushing forward Herr Meyer looked towards Moses Lamidi on the hour and nine minutes later the match was within one as Michael Bradley scored from the spot after Marko Marin was pulled down in the area. Down by one, with Roberto Colautti in for Alexander Baumjohann, Borussia looked to second goal but it could not be found. A difficult loss but further proof, the fight is far from over. Courage Borussia!