Match report

Narrow 2-1 defeat to SC Freiburg in DFB-Pokal second round

The Rothosen nearly drew level from a 2-0 deficit against SC Freiburg, a side currently sat fifth in the Bundesliga, but were only able to find the net once, which resulted in defeat and elimination from the DFB-Pokal.

Hamburger SV suffered a 2-1 defeat against SC Freiburg in the second round of the DFB-Pokal on Wednesday evening (30th October). HSV conceded first from a corner (Ginter, 19’) and then from a Vincenzo Grifo penalty (44’) in the first half, meaning they were fighting to overcome a two-goal deficit after the break. The Rothosen were much better and braver after the interval, with Meffert’s 51st-minute goal bringing the visitors back into the game. From this, they pushed on to find an equaliser which would have taken the game to extra time, but they often came short of doing so by a matter of inches. Therefore, HSV’s DFB-Pokal journey for this season came to an end in Breisgau.

HSV striker Selke had the first real chance of the game with a headed opportunity, but it was Freiburg who scored the first goals of the game.

Unfortunate first half...

Head coach Steffen Baumgart made six changes to the side which began the 4-2 defeat in Elversberg, but Davie Selke, the two-time scorer from last Saturday, kept his place in the starting XI. In fact, the first chance of the game fell to the striker following a Muheim corner in the fourth minute: SCF keeper Müller got down to somehow parry the ball off the line. The first clear-cut chance of the game had come HSV’s way, but the hosts would go on to become the more threatening side in front of goal.

HSV keeper Raab had to summon all his powers to tip Kübler’s deflected shot past the post, but he was helpless to the attempt made in the 19th minute as Ginter headed powerfully in to give the hosts the lead. Freiburg had taken the lead with their fifth attempt of the game, but HSV refused to let it get them down, as they continued to seek a way forward. However, they were unable to find any gaps in SCF’s defence, who remained threatening in attack themselves, as demonstrated by their second goal shortly before the break. Referee Brych judged Elfadlis to have fouled Eggestein and awarded a penalty which was calmly converted by Vincenzo Grifo to make it 2-0. Two goals from two set pieces, and whilst this wasn’t undeserved, HSV certainly felt somewhat hard done by going down the tunnel at half time being two goals behind.

Meffert headed in to make it 2-1 and start HSV's comeback, which they were ultimately unable to complete.

...and a stronger second-half showing

The visitors proved their strength from the set piece in the 51st minute when Meffert headed in from a Muheim corner to get a goal back for HSV and make an ideal start to the second half. HSV assumed control of the game, were pressing early, winning back possession and not allowing SC Freiburg’s build-up play, which was becoming more and more brave as a result, to escalate. The only thing lacking was a clear-cut chance for HSV, with the best of their opportunities coming at the hour mark, as Selke’s lay-off to Karabec was cleared at the very last moment.

Baumgart brought on some attacking power in the form of Richter, Königsdörffer, Katterbach and Dompe for the final stages of the game, and it would be Königsdörffer to whom another good chance would fall a few minutes before the end. However, he was only able to find the side netting. The away side failed to find a second goal when it got a bit hectic in stoppage time. This time, Dompe dribbled nicely before sending the last chance of the game narrowly over the bar. These fine margins spelled defeat for the Rothosen and denied them a comeback after being two goals down and the chance to play extra time. Despite a good performance, HSV were eliminated from the DFB-Pokal by the Bundesliga side, but they certainly did so with their heads held high.

Match facts:

SC Freiburg: Müller - Kübler (78' Rosenfelder), Lienhart, Ginter, Günter - Osterhage (68' Höfler), Eggestein, Dinkci, Grifo - Philipp (78' Höler), Gregoritsch (68' Adamu)

Hamburger SV: Raab - Elfadli, Schonlau, Muheim - Mikelbrencis (88' Jatta), Poreba (68' Richter), Meffert, Reis, Baldé (76' Dompe), Karabec (76' Katterbach) - Selke (68' Königsdörffer)

Goals: 1-0 Ginter (19'), 2-0 Grifo (44'), 2-1 Meffert (51')

Attendance: 34,500 (sold-out)

Referee: Felix Brych (Munich)

Yellow cards: - / Mikelbrencis