German rivals look forward to duel
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Article summary
For only the third time in the history of the UEFA Women's Cup two teams from the same nation will come face to face when holders 1. FFC Frankfurt take on domestic rivals FCR 2001 Duisburg in their quarter-final first leg.
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Form guide
Frankfurt claimed a record third UEFA Women's Cup last May but they finished runners-up to Zvezda-2005 in their second qualifying round group, sending them into this tie. European debutants Duisburg were more impressive, progressing with a 100 per cent record and 14 goals in three games, though they will be aware that the only previous all-German encounter in this competition Frankfurt beat 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam in the 2006 final.
German duel
Günter Wegmann, who became Frankfurt coach in the summer, taking over a team that have won five out of six UEFA Women's Cup quarter-finals, said: "We are happy that we were able to show our strength in the mini-tournament in Oslo. Now we are in the quarter-finals once more, battling again for the European crown of women's football." Duisburg coach Martina Voss added: "We definitely would have preferred an international opponent even though a German duel has its charm as well. But it's a pity that we now one German team will be out after this round."
League race
Frankfurt finished one point ahead of Duisburg in last season's Frauen-Bundesliga, winning 4-0 at home and drawing 1-1 away. This term Frankfurt and Duisburg are third and fourth respectively, seven and nine points adrift of FC Bayern München with two games in hand after their their weekend meeting was postponed due to the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup currently under way in New Zealand. That tournament also takes its toll on this fixture. "Duisburg will have to play without the injured world champion [Fatmire] Bajramaj and three U17 players," explained Wegmann. "But our situation is not too good, either. Next to our five long-term injuries we will have to replace Karolin Thomas with a damaged knee, while Svenja Huth is at the U17 Championship."
Belief
Those long-term absentees are goalkeeper Silke Rottenberg , striker Conny Pohlers, midfielders Alexandra Krieger and Pia Wunderlich and defender India Trotter, but Frankfurt have a strong squad and Saskia Bartusiak is looking forward to the challenge over the next two Thursdays. "We all know that Duisburg are very strong opponents, but we believe in ourselves and we have the chance to reach the next round," the versatile midfielder said. "Our goal is to go for a win in the first match with the help of our fans and avoid conceding goals. That would give us a good starting position for the second leg."