2-1: Ewerthon and Smolarek keep up Berlin's nightmare
[3.04.] Borussia Dortmund gave a brilliant end to a fine day by prevailing Hertha BSC. Ewerthon, Smolarek and Friedrich scored in a good match attended by 76,100
Despite of problems in the beginning, Koller-lacking BVB grabbed their chances in the first half and gained a comfortable lead. Berlin's goal did not end in a backstroke but was used as a motivation, especially for lively Ewerthon, and also a bustling final could not take away the deserved victory.
PERSPECTIVES:
The last home was lost but followed by an away victory at Hamburg, and only BVB had been able to win at Berlin this season. Hertha BSC had shown a brilliant away performance so far and was keen on their first victory in Dortmund since 33 years.
PERSONNEL:
Koller, Kehl and Ricken were most doubtful for Sunday's clash, but BVB's top striker did not recreate on time which made Ewerthon move to the team. David Odonkor (knee) and Otto Addo were not ready anyway, van Burik (blocked due to a red card), Schröder (cruciate ligament). Mansiz (shoulder), Müller (leg fracture) and Bastürk (shoulder) were off the capital's team.
TACTICS:
Berlin's defence switched from a three to a four men row with Gilberto pending. Also Friedrich moved to the offence from time to time. Offender Rafael was supported by Reina, Salihovic and Marcelinho. Bert van Marwijk kept up his 4-3-3 system, only Koller had to be replaced (Ewerthon).
MATCH:
BVB's beginning lacked of concentration which ended in a most dangerous attempt by Salihovic which was saved briliiantly by Weidenfeller. Right afterwards, Dortmund started to find their way to Berlin's box and gained some good chances, crowned by Ewerthon's fine header goal in 24th minute. Kringe's attempt some minutes later found Fiedler's hands only, but Smolarek hit the net after some confusion in Berlin's defence. Dede missed to increase the lead minutes before half time even.
Dortmund also had the better start in the second half with fine attempts again by Smolarek and Ewerthon, even former BVB-player Bobic was not able to provide a visible improvement in the Berlin's team play, but just after the Yellows had slowed down slightly, Friedrich brought the vistors back into the game. Instead of fighting the defeat, Berlin started to play remote which brought back some space to Dortmund's midfield and its engine Kringe, also Ewerthon was still very lively, same as Gilberto on the Blues side. In the last quarter hour, it was up to Roman Weidenfeller to show off his abilities against shots from Marcelinho and Marx, but he showed another approval of his fine efforts during the second leg round. The time was a good friend to Dortmund in the end and sealed the important victory.
PREVIEW:
Borussia travels to Leverkusen next Saturday where no victory could be gained during the last 14 years. Right afterwards there will be homes against Bielefeld and Kaiserslautern.
