Home-strong Fürth "can dream a little bigger"
Goalscorer Robert Wagner and his happy Fürth team-mates fell into each other's arms exhausted after the final whistle. Fortuna Düsseldorf also felt the home strength of the cloverleaf in the 2nd Bundesliga. The Spielvereinigung deservedly won 1:0 (0:0) on Sunday after midfielder Robert Wagner's first professional goal (48th minute) and drew level with Fortuna in the table with 21 points.
Both clubs are within striking distance of the promotion places ahead of the final international break of the year. "It was very important to win for the third time in a row. Now we have some consistency, we can dream a little bigger," said defender Oussama Haddadi.
In front of 10,790 spectators, Fürth earned their fifth win in their seventh home game of the season with their slightly greater attacking power and determination. After a mistake by Fortuna goalkeeper Florian Kastenmeier, who ran out of his goal but missed the ball, Armindo Sieb could have scored for the hosts shortly before the break. However, the attacker missed the empty goal with his shot from 40 meters.
Wagner, on loan from SC Freiburg, completed a fine attacking move from Tim Lemperle. The goal was only finally recognized after a lengthy offside check. "That was a super goal," said captain Branimir Hrgota, who was involved in the attacking move.
Fortuna then fought in vain for the equalizer against a passionate Fürth defence into the long and hectic stoppage time. "We did a great job at the back. We tried to stay compact and pushed ourselves as a team. That's what won us the game in the end," said match-winner Wagner.
After their impressive win, Fürth is now only one point behind Fortuna Düsseldorf in Bundesliga 2. The victory against Düsseldorf was their fifth at home this season and could potentially propel them closer to promotion spots.
In the upcoming matches, both Clubs will be aiming to secure more victories as they compete in Bundesliga 2's promotion race, with Fürth playing against Holstein Kiel and Düsseldorf facing Hannover 96.
Source: www.dpa.com
