Let’s Not Embarrass Ourselves

By: Abby | August 22nd, 2008

The opening-game win against Frankfurt and the calm manner of rolling through the UEFA Cup qualifying stages has infused those following Hertha with an almost unfamiliar sense of optimism. We’re playing well, the new signings look to be settling in, the players that are already there are stepping up. Plus, the first home game is against the fairly nonthreatening Arminia Bielefeld.

Good signs, right?

We’ll, let’s hope so. I can’t help being a little nervous- it would be just like any team I’ve ever cheered for to flop just when things look like they’re going right. I’m feeling cautiously optimistic in general, though, and a win against Bielefeld would give us some excellent momentum going into the final UEFA Cup qualifier.

They’re not going to be pushovers, though. They tend to be a tough side to break down, and their opening game was a 2-2 draw against Werder Bremen. An ex-Hertha striker, Artur Wichniarek, grabbed a brace, and an ex-player in good form is always dangerous. Last year’s home game ended 1-0, with an extremely late goal from freshly-signed Raffael providing the goal. Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that this time.

Team-wise, it’s much the same as it was against Frankfurt. Those who were injured are still injured, but there are no new injuries to report. Solomon Okoronkwo is still at the Olympics with Nigeria- in fact, he’ll be playing in a few minutes (as I write this) against Argentina. Good luck to him. Armine Chermiti is likely to make his Bundesliga debut, and after scoring his country’s goal in Tunisia’s 1-1 draw with Angola, let’s hope he’s in high spirits as his new club gets a look at him.

Other than that, keep your fingers crossed. If we win this, it’ll be the first time we’ve won the first two games in…ever.

No pressure, guys…