Hertha fan pub in Berlin-Neukölln: “I don’t really need such nerve stress”
Hertha fan pub in Berlin-Neukölln
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“I really don’t need such nerve stress”
Tue 05/24/22 | 8:12 a.m. | Of
In the “Rosels” fan pub on Weserstrasse, Hertha BSC fans celebrate their team’s 2-0 win at Hamburger SV. The Berliners remain first class – only very few fans in the pub had expected it. By Nico Hecht
In the back room of the traditional Hertha pub in Berlin-Neukölln, the fans plucked up courage for the game long before kick-off. Because after the defeat in the first leg (0: 1), the signs are more likely to relegation for the Berlin Bundesliga team. Really happy, says Jonas, they didn’t look forward to the game. “No, I’ll be honest, I woke up this morning and was more scared of the game.”
Others also say they would rather be on the summer break. Such a relegation is already a lot of stress. And it’s actually sad when the team with such an expensive squad doesn’t make it into the league sooner.
A good omen and early cheering
But there were also good signs, says Jonas. At work, a colleague told him that he had dreamed of Hertha winning 5-0. “We’re here. And I’ll give everything to cheer on the team. Even if they don’t hear it. But the spirit is there,” he says and gets up to get another beer.
In the front room, Alexander and friends are sitting across from the counter. Blue Hertha flags stuck to it. The jerseys of current and former players hang above them, and the Hertha logo adorns the beer coasters. Alex has been there for 25 years, he says – season ticket for home games, season ticket at “Rosels” for away games.
In the 4th minute, his whistle fell on the table in shock. After a strong start, Hertha took a corner kick and actually made it 1-0 very early on. Something could still be done now, says Alex. “Actually, I had already finished with everything after the home game defeat. Now let’s see how they continue in the next 15 minutes.”
Free kick by Plattenhart makes it 2-0
Alex is still skeptical. Rightly so. In the middle of the game, Hertha doesn’t do much anymore. And in the “Rosels” it’s getting quieter. Now please don’t get so despondent as so often during the season, says Andi at the counter. “Always this back and forth. Nobody is looking for a degree.”
At half-time, the Berliners lead 1-0. But that is not enough. And in the second half, too, the fans were waiting more and more nervously for another goal. In the meantime there is not even standing room left in the “Rosels”. The waitress has to push her way free. From the tables, the fans keep calling out: “Now do it. Now finally the 2:0″. Scoring chances remain rare.
The goal for the Berliners then comes almost out of nowhere after more than an hour: Free kick for Hertha half right, everyone expects a cross in front of the HSV goal. But national player Marvin Plattenhart shoots directly at goal. The fans at “Rosels” accompany each standard with a swelling “Oooohhhh”.
trembling in the final phase
His skepticism is justified. Hamburg are getting better and still have chances in the closing stages. Hertha only defends. And at “Rosels” they’re banging on the tables more and more often. They trust the team to gamble away this lead. Alex’s table neighbor calls for liquor. But the waitress is way too busy and brushes her off. “Maybe later!”
The Hertha fans loudly embrace the last minutes and seconds until the final whistle. When he comes, they all stand. And lie in each other’s arms. And “Ha Ho He – Hertha BSC” roars through the pub. “I admit it, I didn’t think so,” says Alex. “Perhaps it dawned on me at half-time. But I don’t really need that kind of nervous stress.” Then he hugs his girlfriend, who wipes the tears from her face.
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