Petrov topedo sinks HSV!

Perfect conditions greeted the teams as they took to the field in front of 27,000 in the VOLKSWAGENARENA in Wolfsburg, and both sides started the game brightly enough, creating early chances. HSV had early opportunities but Mpenza (7.) and then Barbarez (9, returning from a 3 match suspension) failed to take them. On 11 minutes Fischer tested the HSV keeper Wächter for the first time

Petrov goes close

Although the visiting side had the best of the opening 20 minutes, Wolfsburg began to get a grip on the game after that, despite being depleted by injuries and suspension. The side coached by Erik Gerets began to string together passes in midfield and match HSV stride for stride. On 24 minutes Moreira cleared a Petrov effort in the nick of time. Five minutes later it was Petrov again, who rounded off nice approach work with a shot which went narrowly wide.

Third time lucky

The Wolves striker Thomas Brdaric gained what looked to be a dubious free kick on the right hand conre of the HSV penalty area on 41 minutes. Just as everyone was expecting a cross from Martin Petrov, the Bulgarian winger fired in an unstoppable shot into the far right corner with the HSV keeper Wächter rooted to the spot. It was the only goal of the first half, and the Wolves just about deserved their half time lead.

HSV on top

The 8,000 HSV fans in Wolfsburg were heartened by the way their side began the second half, and shortly after the restart Mpenza had two half chances which went begging (50., 51.). The visitors continued to press forward as the home side was content to sit back and wait for the chance to counter attack. The first chance for the Wolves in the second half fell to Petrov on 58 minutes. His free kick on was deflected onto the crossbar by the HSV wall.

Mahdavikia sent off

HSV continued to camp in the Wolfsburg half, duringh which time Mahdavikia was shown a yellow card for a blatant dive. On 70 minutes, the Iranian international fouled Petrov as he ghosted past him and was promptly sent off by the match referee Wack. That setback didn’t unsettle the Hamburg side as they desperately tried to get back on level terms, all to no avail. There followed half chances but none were converted.

The defeat does not spell the end of the world for the HSV coach Doll and his side. They have the chance to recuperate the points lost in Wolfsburg as they entertain Gladbach next Sunday. For VfL Wolfsburg the three pints were a step towards qualification for the Intertoto Cup. 

 Match details:

VfL Wolfsburg:  Jentzsch - Rytter, Franz, Hofland, Sarpei - Thiam - Karhan, Fischer - M. Petrov - Brdaric, Klimowicz 

HSV:  Wächter - Schlicke, Boulahrouz, van Buyten, Klingbeil - Wicky - Mahdavikia, Beinlich - Moreira - Mpenza, Barbarez

Goals:   1:0 M. Petrov (41.)

Referee:   Dr. Wack

Attendance:  27,000

Yellow cards:  Brdaric, Franz, Rytter - Moreira, Boulahrouz, Mahdavikia

Yellow/red card:  Mahdavikia (70.)