Hamburg (dpa) – the only second division team, the only cup winner – Hamburger SV is the biggest outsider in the semi-finals of the DFB Cup competition and can still boast the most successes.
This Tuesday (8.45 p.m. / ARD and Sky) the sixth in the 2nd Bundesliga is expecting SC Freiburg, who is fifth in the Bundesliga, in the Volksparkstadion and wants to play in its first final. The next day (8.45 p.m. / ARD and Sky) RB Leipzig and 1. FC Union Berlin face each other in the second semi-final.
“keep at the game”
The favorites in Hamburg are the people of Breisgau, who are on the way to a place in the Champions League in the championship. “One is the paper form, the other is the truth on the pitch,” said HSV coach Tim Walter. He thinks a surprise is quite possible. His colleague Christian Streich announced: “We’re going to Hamburg with humility. We want to make this dream, which we’ve fought hard for so far, possible.”
The teams are supported by 57,000 spectators in a sold-out arena, including 6,000 Freiburg fans. The last time the stadium in the Hanseatic city was full was more than two years ago. “It’s the first time for me that I’ve experienced this,” said HSV captain Sebastian Schonlau. So do most of the team.
The hosts want to compensate their followers for the almost playful promotion to the Bundesliga with a final in the cup. “We want to show that we’re on the right track,” said coach Walter, assuring that he and his team were “keen on the game”.
“The Shack Will Burn”
Freiburg are the favorites, but have respect for HSV. “The stadium will be like a wall behind HSV. The hut will burn,” predicted Streich. “I really hope that we are mentally strong and play our game with the security and strength that we have.” Freiburg midfielder Maximilian Eggestein explained: “They probably don’t care that much in the league anymore. All that’s left is the cup. The danger is that they’re unpredictable.”
HSV has won the DFB Cup three times in its club history. This makes him the only club from the semi-final quartet to have conquered this trophy. However, the last success was 35 years ago. Since 1987, the former European champions’ cup, now the Champions League, have been waiting to win a competition. “The sensation is possible,” said HSV striker Robert Glatzel. Freiburg should feel it.