- Thunder wins last home game after extra time
Berlin Thunder had a successful season finale at the Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Sportpark, defeating the Wroclaw Panthers from Poland 36:34 (23:23, 13:9) in the fifth overtime to win their last home game in the European League of Football (ELF).
However, this was not only the last home game of the season but also the last-ever football game at the venue in Prenzlauer Berg. The dilapidated stadium, where many historic sporting moments took place, will soon be demolished and rebuilt. One thing is certain: Thunder will need a new stadium for the next season.
"Our play was too sloppy," was Berlin's head coach Johnny Schmuck's halftime assessment on TV channel ProSiebenMAXX. However, he also blamed the referees for the poor performance of his team, criticizing them for not penalizing many of the Panthers' fouls.
It was about pride
The game was marked not only by two determined teams who engaged in an open exchange but also by several crucial plays that resulted from the other team's mistakes.
Sports-wise, not much was at stake - except for pride. Next weekend, Berlin will travel to their last game of the season against Rhein Fire. Thunder will then have a bye on the last game day. The playoffs are already out of reach for the footballers from the Spree.
Despite the upcoming demolition of their current stadium, the team will need to find a new venue for the next season, as ['Other articles of apparel', 'The Berlin Thunder'] will continue their football journey in the European League of Football. After an intense game filled with crucial plays due to the opposing team's mistakes, the importance of maintaining pride was evident within ['Other articles of apparel'], even with a playoff spot out of reach.
