The HSV’s second division football players had to bury the dream of the cup final after the 1-3 defeat after extra time against Werder Bremen. The Hamburg women still have the big destination Bundesliga promotion and a lot of work in front of them – on and off the square.
Even Dino Herrmann didn’t know anymore. The mascot of the HSV sagged shortly after the final whistle at the post of the gate in front of the north grandstand and remained there with a headed head. The mood cannon could not stay there for a long time. Because many thousand fans – hardly anyone had left the standing area in the stadium – celebrated the HSV footballers against the Bundesliga club for their sacrificing fight in 120 minutes. 1: 3 defeat or not. And the dino quickly had to make room for the protagonists.
“We don’t have to be very disappointed. We were the underdog and had the chance to get ahead until shortly before the end. I am proud of how the girls sold.”
-HSV icon Horst Hrubesch
A good 30 minutes had previously been between the “absolute explosion of emotions” in captain Sarah Stöckmann, who had still coped with the HSV in the last minute, and was bitter tears with her and her teammates. “We were so close,” said Christin Meyer, who was to be seen, which initially prevailed in her.
HSV loses the “Football Festival for all of Germany”
The record team in the semi-finals had actually initially inspired the record set of 57,000 viewers at this cup north derby in the semi-finals. “It was like a male game today – and a mega horny football day,” said coordinator Saskia Breuer. And Stöckmann emphasized: “We won’t forget the experience so quickly. It was a football festival for us and for all of Germany”.
“I’m sorry for HSV, the women made a good game.”
-Werder managing director Clemens Fritz
Werder’s managing director Clemens Fritz was pleased about the victory: “In the end, the bit of quality decided.” The Bremen women had played out more than 60 minutes. Therefore, the performance is not a matter of course. The ex-professional, who himself played many Nordderbies, also said: “For HSV, I’m sorry, the women have played a good game.”
Ex-players Press the HSV’s fingers crossed
Silva Lone Saländer felt like on a “journey through time”. The former midfielder was there when the 2002 HSV was the only time in the cup final. Like many teammates from back then, she accepted the club’s invitation to this “historical game”. Even if her team lost 0: 5 against the 1st FFC Frankfurt in Berlin at the time, the experience got stuck with her. “It was not a scenery. It is just great that the HSV has now written football club history.”
Britta Carlson, also in the final of Berlin on the square, spoke of a “good sign to the other countries that it can also work well in Germany and the stadiums will be full”. The long-time assistant co-trainer at the national team has been training Bundesliga club 1. FC Köln since the beginning of the year. She described the atmosphere in the Volksparkstadion as “outstanding” – and keeps your fingers crossed for her ex -club in the promotion race: “Although I am a competitor, I keep my fingers crossed for the club: the HSV is a great club and would enrich the Bundesliga extremely.”
Stadium question concerns the HSV – and now also the DFB
The Hamburg women are currently fourth in the league. While the HSV played its cup game, a regular match day was coming up in the 2nd Bundesliga and SV Meppen has passed again. The HSV applied for the license for both leagues, but has to fulfill some homework for the first division.
Because except for the Volksparkstadion, the club has no one that is suitable for the women’s Bundesliga. The Hamburgers are currently playing their home games in sixth place next to the large arena. Capacity: 630 standing room – no seats. Therefore, it was initially speculated that the Edmund-Plambeck Stadium could become a home venue.
As the HSV confirmed to the NDR, the stadium in Norderstedt does not play a role in the license. Rather, the club relies on the double solution from 6th place and the Volksparkstadion. An exemption could give Hamburgers time to make the training ground at the Bundesliga stadium. “We have to be creative,” said coordinator Breuer. There are some conditions to be met in the long run – such as covered seats.
Do the success of the HSV women increase the pressure on the city?
Bitter for the HSV: Even after the renovation of the Eimsbüttel sports park, where the team was able to play at least a few games in the past, the stadium there is not sufficient for the women’s Bundesliga. From the perspective of the HSV, the city has given a way to clear the topic. Especially since the realization of the stadium planned in Hamburg-Altona is still in the stars. Politicians see the HSV on the train anyway.
Breuer reported a close exchange with the DFB. There could be a result in April. “But we also hope that the game will now increase the pressure on the city. Women’s football lives in Hamburg,” said Breuer.
Full of focus on that Promotion race
Now, however, “the absolute focus” applies to the promotion race in the second division. “We can shake and be disappointed. But it goes on and we still want to get the maximum out,” emphasized the 42-year-old and is in line with HSV icon Horst Hrubesch.
The former national coach has been driving women’s football in the club for years. “We don’t have to be very disappointed. We were the underdog and had the chance to get ahead until shortly before the end. I am proud of how the girls sold,” said the 73-year-old and assumes that the Volksparkstadion experience will provide additional motivation after 13 years of abstinence: “The game will give us thrust again!” And in the end, fans, players and Dino Herrmann should celebrate the promotion together.
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Hamburg Journal | 23.03.2025 | 7:30 p.m.
