The season has been changed, click here!!!

The Reds went into the well-earned winter break. 96soccer.com would like to thank 96 fans worldwide for their great support during the year 2005. We have very much enjoyed covering all 96 matters for you and sincerely hope that you have enjoyed our coverage.

The English-language team at 96soccer.com wish 96 fans a merry Christmas and a happy new year wherever you happen to be in the world!!!

Today 96-defender Per Mertesacker undergoes surgery on his right foot. The German international picked up an injury during the last match against Werder Bremen in the DFB-Cup. After doing a MRI, the result turned out to be an torn ligament in the outside right ankle.

Team doctor Wego Kregehr believes that the central-defender will be out of action for at least six weeks. Per will leave the hospital in Bogenhausen tomorrow.

The German Football League (DFL) has announced the exact dates and kick off times for the matches at the start of the second half of the season. 96 has been given two Saturday matches, one Sunday match and one under floodlights on a Wednesday evening.

Peter Neururer and his side begin their World Cup year away to Berlin in the Olympiastadion on Saturday January 28th 2006. A week later (02/05/06), Hannover entertains Nuremberg in the AWD Arena. On Wednesday 02/08/06, Neururer and co. will host Hamburg at home. Three days later (02/11/06) 96 faces Eintracht Frankfurt away in the Bundesliga.

Saturday, 28th January, 15:30 CET: Hertha BSC Berlin - Hannover 96
Sunday, 5th February, 17:30 CET: Hannover 96 - 1. FC Nuremberg
Wednesday, 8th February, 20:00 CET: Hannover 96 - Hamburger SV
Saturday, 11th February, 15:30 CET: Eintracht Frankfurt - Hannover 96

Click here for the season!

The Reds suffer an undeservedly devastating home defeat in the Northern DFB Cup trophy derby 1-4 (0-0). The match came to the crunch in the last seven minutes to time. After a goalless but exciting first half with good opportunities for Hannover, Naldo had put the visitors ahead with a short-distance header (71min). Vahid Hashemian's repartee goal was not awarded by referee Dr Markus Merk, to the dismay of the home crowd. Bremen's German international Torsten Frings added to the score with a penalty kick (83min), but the Reds fought bravely, and Portuguese Ricardo Sousa (photo) brought the home side back into the match with his converted spot kick (85min). In the last two minutes though Hannover 96 fell apart after Hanno Balitsch's unlucky attempt of a save (89min), resulting in an own-goal, with German striker Aaron Hunt driving the last nail into the home squad's coffin (90min).

Hannover's coach Peter Neururer changed his line-up on one position, replacing Ricardo Sousa with Michael Delura. Neururer's opponent Thomas Schaaf teamed up Klasnic with Klose, so Valdez dropped to the bench.

A crowd of 49,000 in the AWD Arena look on as Hannover create few opportunities throughout the first half. Bremen's midfield key player, Frenchman Johan Micoud, misses target from 14 metres, trying to capitalise from Patrick Owomoyela's assist (12min). Squad captain Frank Baumann's header from eight metres is deflected off the right post (32min). Hannover 96 striker Thomas Brdaric fires a pivoting shot on target, but the ball passes over the crossbar (33min). Hannover slowly gains superiority, and it is Czech striker Jiri Stajner who is denied twice by Bremen's newly excellent keeper Andreas Reinke (44min) before the break.

Halftime 0-0

The Reds enjoy even more possession after the interval, but Bremen's Brazilian Naldo provides a short sharp shock for the home side with a spot-on header from his own parried shot, leaving Robert Enke not the slightest chance from point-blank position on the rebound (71min). Hannover is not awarded with Hashemian's repartee goal, despite the Iranian striker's fuming protests.

Again the next goal is Bremen's, with German international Torsten Frings converting a spot kick (83min) after Enke's alleged foul on Miroslav Klose in the box. Hannover show determination and morale and are ready to turn around the match in a dramatic finish, with Ricardo Sousa netting another penalty, this time for Hannover (85min). But in the last two minutes Hannover 96 fall apart after Hanno Balitsch's unlucky on«wn-goal attempting a save (89min), with German striker Aaron Hunt crushing all hope for the home squad (90min). Hannover miss the quarterfinals of the DFB Cup competition, having won the DFB Cup only once so far in 1992.

Hannover 96: Enke - Balitsch, Mertesacker, Zuraw, Tarnat - Lala, Delura, Dabrowski - Stajner, Hashemian, Brdaric - Coach: Neururer

Werder Bremen: Reinke - Owomoyela, Pasanen, Naldo, L. Andreasen - Baumann - Frings, Vranjes - Micoud - Klose, Klasnic - Coach: Schaaf

Goals:
0-1 Naldo (71.),
0-2 Frings (83., Penalty, assist Klose),
1-2 Ricardo Sousa (85., Penalty, assist Brdaric),
1-3 Balitsch (89., Own goal, Owomoyela),
1-4 Hunt (90., Micoud)

Substitutions: 51. Yankov for Mertesacker, 67. Ricardo Sousa for Delura, 77. Idrissou for Lala - 58. D. Jensen for Vranjes, 67. Hunt for Klasnic

Referee: Merk, Dr.
Attendance: 49500 (sold out)
Bookings: Enke, Balitsch - Naldo, Klasnic, Klose

Hannover 96 General Manager Ilja Kaenzig has agreed a two-year contract extension from 12st July 2006 to 30th June 2008. The 32-year-old Kaenzig who came from Bayer 04 Leverkusen signed in the summer 2004 with The Reds.

Bremen - Hamburg 1:1
Hertha - Nuremberg 1:1

Bayer Leverkusen vs Hannover 96
19 : 11 shots at goal
5 : 5 corners
12 : 13 crosses
55% : 45% ball possesions
49% : 51% +challenges
13 : 18 fouls
3 : 4 offsides

Most shots at goal:
96: V. Hashemian, J. Stajner (3 each)
Leverkusen: M. Babic, P. Freier (4 each)

Most setups:
96: J. Stajner (5)
Leverkusen: T. Barnetta (5)

Most ball possesions:
96: M. Tarnat (70)
Leverkusen: Juan (73)

Most won challenges:
96: P. Mertesacker (75%)
Leverkusen: A. Madouni (62%)

Source: IMP-Fussballdaten

21,000 spectators have seen an unsual 0-0 tie at the "BayArena" in the final league game of 2005 for both sides in round 17 of the Bundesliga. Both teams were creating numerous goal scoring chances without success. In the last minute of play Hannover's goalkeeper Robert Enke saved one point on the road for The Reds as he parried a shot from Josip Tadic after a counter attack from Leverkusen. Hannover's best chance came through Jiri Stajner who shot at the right post in the 18th. 96 ist still unbeaten under their new coach Peter Neururer and goes into the winter break with the 8th spot in the standings.

Both coaches changed the starting formation after their last match against Nuremberg or rather Gladbach at two positions. At the home team Castro replaced Ramelow (5th yellow card) and Voronin playing upfront leaving Freier on the substitution's bench. Neururer had to replace injured Sylvio Schroeter (broken foot). Hanno Balitsch were playing as wing-back on Steven Cherundolo's position and Christoph Dabrowski moving into the defensive midfield back after suspension (5th yellow card). Portuguese playmaker Ricardo Sousa replaced Bulgarian midfielder "Chak" Yankov.

The early going was fairly tame with both teams feeling each other out. After 12 minutes Leverkusen came to their first chance through captain Bernd Schneider. The German international has beaten Altin Lala inside the box with a one-two pass with former 96-player Tranquillo Barnetta as he failed from 9metres at Enke.

Although Leverkusen dominated possession in the first 15 minutes 96 had the better scoring chances as in the following scene when a cross from the left wing by German Michael Tarnat has found the completely unmarked Chzech Jiri Stajner who hit the right post from 10metres (18th). Bad luck for Hannover denied the lead!

In the 27th Leverkusen's Berbatov went down inside the box when German international Per Mertesacker cleared the ball, but referee Dr. Drees didn't blow the whistle.

96 dominated the possession in the last 15 minutes of the first half. The away side had tested Leverkusen's defence twice with fine right deliveries from trialist Vahid Hashemian. The Iranian international headed near the left post in the 29th and two minutes later he had a great chance with a spectacular scissor-kick from 5metres brilliantly setup by Stajner but goalkeeper Butt was there to cover the near post.

Half-time 0-0.

The second half got under way with the first, despite Leverkusen looking dangerous at times they were unable to capitalize as Barnetta tested Enke after a free kick from 35metres, but Enke saved (53rd).

After 61 minutes Paul Freier was brought on by Skibbe to replace Voronin in order to put more danger upfront. Leverkusen had the next scene when Fritz has sent a pass to Schneider on the right wing who crossed in to the near post were Berbatov was waiting. The Bulgarian international failed at Enke with his back-heel shot. Then substitute Freiser's first chance missed the left post with a wide shot from 22metres (69th).

Hannover could have gone ahead in the 73rd when 96-forward Stajner shot from 10metres over the bar, setup by Tarnat, and wo minutes later with Dabrowski's header that missed the left post (setup by Stajner). It was Dabrowski again who got the next chance for 96 in the 88th when his shot has found the left side netting.

In the last minute of play Michael Tarnat gifted a back pass to Leverkusen's Josip Tadic who took a run towards the goal. But Enke stood up cooly and saved one point with a great reflex (11metres). The last scene belonged to 96-substitute Mo' Idrissou who nearly headed home, but Schneider was there with a clearence off the line.

Final result 0-0.

Man of the match was Robert Enke and not Tadic who has given his Bundesliga debut. With this draw The Reds moved to the 8th spot in the table and have to face Werder Bremen in the DFB-cup clash next Wednesday before the team goes into the winter break.

Bayer Leverkusen: Butt - C. Fritz, Juan, Madouni, Castro - Rolfes - Barnetta, Babic - B. Schneider - Berbatov, Voronin - Coach: Skibbe

Hannover 96: Enke - Balitsch, Mertesacker, Zuraw, Tarnat - Lala, Dabrowski - Ricardo Sousa - Stajner, Hashemian, Brdaric - Coach: Neururer

Substitutions: 60. Freier for Voronin, 85. J. Tadic for Barnetta - 64. Delura for Ricardo Sousa, 81. Yankov for Brdaric, 83. Idrissou for Stajner

Bookings: Barnetta, Castro, Babic - Balitsch

Referee: Drees, Dr.
Attendance: 21,000

96-head coach Peter Neururer announces 16-man roster for the match against Leverkusen:

Enke, Juric, Mertesacker, Zuraw, Tarnat, Lala, Balitsch, Dabrowski, Yankov, Sousa, Delura, Stajner, Brdaric, Hashemian, Hahne and Idrissou.

Hanno Balitsch replaces the injured defender Steven Cherundolo.

Possible line-ups:

Hannover 96
Enke
Balitsch, Mertesacker, Zuraw, Tarnat
Dabrowski, Lala, Sousa (Yankov)
Stajner, Hashemian, Brdaric

The Reds forward Silvio Schroeter has broken his right foot. He suffered the injury on Saturday during the match against Borussia Moenchengladbach.

The 26-year old German requires no surgery and will be out of action for at least eight weeks. Get well soon Sylvio!!!

Bayern - Lautern 2:1
Köln - Bremen 1:4

Hannover 96 vs Borussia Moenchengladbach
18 : 16 shots at goal
4 : 2 corners
15 : 8 crosses
53% : 47% ball possesions
50% : 50% +challenges
17 : 22 fouls
6 : 5 offsides

Most shots at goal:
96: T. Brdaric (5)
Gladbach: Kahe (4)

Most setups:
96: M. Tarnat (6)
Gladbach: O. Neuville (7)

Most ball possesions:
96: M. Tarnat (92)
Gladbach: M. Fukal (67)

Most won challenges:
96: D. Zuraw (69%)
Gladbach: E. Polanski (68%)

Source: IMP-Fussballdaten

Hannover and Borussia Moenchengladbach share the spoils and neighbouring positions in the Bandesliga table with a 1 all (0-0) draw. Stajner equalises the away side's lead through Kahé (49min) with a header from point-blank position after 67 minutes (small photo). Both teams miss decisive opportunities in a highly exciting, but seldom classy fixture.

Hannover's head coach Peter Neururer had to make do without two important regulars on the roster. American Steven Cherandolo down with muscle fibre rupture, Christoph Dabrowski serving fifth-yellow suspension, Neururer changed his team around substantially. Silvio Schroeter played right wing defender, Chavdar Yankov moved to central midfield position, and Czech Jiri Stajner replaced forward Michael Delura. The visitors from Gladbach could again rely on Marcell Jansen, Thomas Broich and Czech international Milan Fukal, with Boegeland, Thijs and Kluge dropping to the bench.

Hannover create opportunities from the start, but Michael Tarnat (1min) and Thomas Brdaric (6min) efforts go wide. The visitors dangerous answer is Marcell Jansen's 18-metre-shot on target that Robert Enke only just bends around and over the right goal corner (7min). Fifteen minutes into the match Iranian international Vahid Hashemian fails to pot from a Tarnat pass, Hashemian's effort going wide of the far right post. The Reds count themselves lucky in the 22nd minute as Broich goes down in the box in a tangle with Schroeter, but referee Knut Kircher's whistle keeps shtum. The resulting corner kick finds Eugen Polanski who drills the ball right on target with a point-blank header. Enke already beaten, Bulgarian international 'Chav' Yankov heads the ball out of the danger zone with a spectacular goal line clearance. In the direct counter attack Tarnat serves Hanno Balitsch with a beautiful cross, but Balitsch's header is denied by faithful 'foal'keeper Kasey Keller, long-time US international between the posts (large photo). Norwegian international Hassan El Fakiri wrestles Tarnat in Hannover's area and goes for the dive but fails to impress the unflappable referee. The first half suffers from frequent interruptions of play due to many fouls.

0-0 half time

After the interval 96 head coach Peter Neururer takes a risk with midfielder Michael Delura's substitution … for injured Schroeter as right wing defender! Delura is uncomfortable with the unusual position and promptly fails to intercept Strasser's long ball to Filip Daems. Daems aims his left cross for goalmouth, finding Neuville, whose effort is denied by Enke parrying the sharp shot, but Kahé converts effortlessly from the rebound (49min), giving the lead to Gladbach.

Only three minutes later the Brazilian starts more goal jubilations, but referee Kircher nips the joy in the bud calling Kahé's goal offside. Peter Neururer reacts swiftly and substitutes Yankov, though well-playing so far, with Portuguese Ricardo Sousa for fresh ideas in midfield. The Reds start the rush on Gladbach's goal with several efforts. Michael Tarnat's free kick from 17 metres is parried by Keller (55min), shortly after Balitsch meets his master in Keller, his pivoting shot being denied by the US international keeper. Another dead ball situation renders no countable result when Sousa bends the free kick from 18 metres beautifully over the wall, the ball going just wide of the right post (60min). The visitors suffer the deserved equaliser when Tarnat on the left wing plays a through ball to Brdaric who aims a precise cross for Czech Jiri Stajner on the edge of the five-metre box, who puts his deadly header away against Keller's running path (67min). Both teams miss decisive opportunities in a highly exciting, but seldom classy second half. Jansen is denied by Enke, Hashemian's header from Sousa's corner kick is cleared by a 'Foal' from the goal line (72min). Gladbach almost falls behind through an own goal, but Keller saves the day and one point for the visitors when Delura's free kick is dangerously helped on by Thijs (81min). Thijs has the last chance of the match, but his free kick from 25 metres goes wide of the left post.

So Hannover and Gladbach share the spoils in an exciting but rough game. The Reds play a good second half and manage the equaliser. Neururer remains unbeaten as new Hannover head coach, Jiri Stajner being almost a guarantor for home goals.

STATISTICS

Hannover 96: Enke - Schroeter, Mertesacker, Zuraw, Tarnat - Lala - Yankov, Balitsch - Stajner, Hashemian, Brdaric - Coach: Neururer

Borussia M'gladbach: Keller - Fukal, Zé Antonio, Strasser, Daems - El Fakiri, Polanski - Broich - Neuville, Kahe, Jansen - Coach: Koeppel

Goals:
0-1 Kahe (49th, right shot, setup by Neuville),
1-1 Stajner (67th, header, setup by Brdaric)

Substitutions:
46. Delura for Schroeter
55. Ricardo Sousa for Yankov
89. Idrissou for Stajner
66. Thijs for El Fakiri
76. Kluge for Broich
85. Boegelund for Neuville
89. Idrissou for Stajner

Referee: Kircher
Attendance: 39,202
Bookings: Fukal, Polanski, Daems, El Fakiri, Thijs

96-head coach Peter Neururer announces 16-man roster for the match against Gladbach:

Enke, Juric, Mertesacker, Zuraw, Tarnat, Lala, Balitsch, Yankov, Sousa, Schroeter, Delura, Stajner, Brdaric, Hashemian, Hahne and Idrissou.

Possible line-ups:

Hannover 96:
Enke
Schroeter, Mertesacker, Zuraw, Tarnat
Balitsch, Lala, Yankov (Sousa)
Stajner (Delura), Hashemian, Brdaric

MSV Duisburg - 1. FC Cologne 1 - 1

Kevin Cooper, a football maniac, just came for one day from The U.S. (Toledo, Ohio) to Hannover watching The Reds playing against Kaiserslautern at the AWD-Arena on November 26. Here is his one-day-diary how he spent his time in Hannover.

"Most Americans choose to spend their Thanksgiving holidays spending time with their family, and seeing just how much turkey they can eat. I'm a bit different. I like to use my holiday to travel abroad and watch football matches. For me, a long weekend eating and breathing football (proper football, that is) in a country far away from home is the definition of a great holiday. This year, after considering all of my options, I decided travel to Hannover, Germany to see U.S. international Steve Cherundolo and the rest of Hannover 96 take on Kaiserslautern on 26 November 2005.

One of the biggest factors in making my decision to go to Hannover was the club's official English language website which gives the basic information about the club. It is invaluable as a resource (and hopefully more people will take advantage of the site to come over to see the club.) I was also very lucky to make the acquaintance of Bert Pickert, the site's webmaster. Bert helped me immensely, especially in obtaining a ticket, since my college-level German wasn't quite good enough to understand the Hannover ticket website. Bert was also instrumental in getting me really psyched up for the match, as he simply loves the club.

After traveling to Frankfurt to begin my holiday, I made my way up to Hannover on the Bahn, which was spot on time arriving in Hannover. After a nice little walkabout in town (it is a very green city), and a visit to the Hannover Town Hall (the Rathaus) and the Lower Saxony State Museum (the Niedersachsisches Landesmuseum), I made my way to the wonderfully refurbished AWD Arena to prepare for the match. I managed to meet up with Bert, who is as nice a guy as you'll meet anywhere. We talked football and had a coffee at Julian's, a bar in the Courtyard by Marriott hotel opposite the stadium, which is where many supporters have pre-game refreshments (which in Germany means beer!)

Finally, game time! Though it was a very cold and windy day across northern Germany, the teams played all-out for 90 minutes, and the match did not disappoint in the slightest. Despite patchy form early in the season, Hannover came into this game firing on all cylinders. Kaiserslautern were bottom of the table and primed to get a beating. After a lethargic opening 10 minutes, Hannover turned it up a notch and went to the half with a 2-0 advantage courtesy of two goals by Michael Tarnat. The second half was much of the same from Hannover. Despite a lucky goal for Kaiserslautern by Sonogo, Hannover 96 got three more, two from Thomas Brdaric and one from Hashemian, to end up 5-1 winners. All in all, a great game and a great result.

The best part of the whole day came at the end, when I got to meet Steve Cherundolo. He had a good game, and was very unlucky not to score with a great volley in the 87th minute. Steve was obviously very happy about the win, and was very gracious in taking his time to speak to me despite the many demands of professional football stars in Europe.

Despite recent reports that there is a hooligan problem in Germany, I saw nothing to be concerned about in Hannover. The supporters were fantastic, and very well behaved. They are even allowed to take beer into the seating area, which you don't see at other grounds around Europe. One of the unique features of the AWD Arena, and indeed in most of the new stadiums in Germany, is an area for standing. "While this concept is foreign to most Americans, supporters are generally louder and more involved if they are standing...and the Hannover supporters certainly were in good voice." The unique thing about these standing areas is that they convert to seated areas for European and international matches which require all-seater stadiums.

In the 10 days since my visit, Hannover 96 has gone on to beat Borussia Dortmund away for the first time since the 1960's...a fantastic result! I like to think I brought the side a bit of luck along with my visit. Truth be told, though, is that Hannover 96 is a talented side who should finish in the top half of the table this season.

So here's to Hannover...a wonderful city with a terrific football club. They made a true supporter out of me after just one visit. Even though that was my first trip to see Hannover 96, it certainly won't be the last. Hope to see some other Yanks along the way, especially since one of our best is currently the starting right back. Let's go Reds!"

Hannover 96 right back Steven Cherundolo will miss Saturday's match against Borussia Moenchengladbach through injury. The 26-year-old US international has partially torn his left calf during the last match against Dortmund and has to sit out on December 10. If he will be seen in action against Leverkusen will be decided next week.

96-defender Steven Cherundolo talks about the match against Dortmund:

"What a win, what a win! 41 years ago was the last victory by 96 in Dortmund and I am proud to have taken part in yesterday's victory..."

(Scroll down for the English version)

www.Cherundolo.de

Leverkusen - Hertha 1:2
Mainz - Wolfsburg 5:1

Hannover stays on the 8th in the table.

Bert van Marwijk (Coach Borussia Dortmund):
"I am very angry! It wasn't the fact, that many players were missing due to injury and having a young team on the field including the bench. Two silly mistakes decided the match. You can make mistakes, but not those ones, although we didn't play not so bad."

Peter Neururer (Coach Hannover 96):
"We don't want to go all dreamy, but it went well for us today. Moving to the 8th in the standing it's a a flight of fancy, but not from the quality of our play. Wee need more courage. I am very happy, I never earned one point here in Dortmund in my whole career. Hopefully this is a beginning of a new era. We deserved the win, but it wasn't a great match. But my team has shown great passion. We are on a good way."

Borussia Dortmund vs Hannover 96
22 : 8 shots at goal
5 : 3 corners
10 : 10 crosses
57% : 43% ball possesions
56% : 44% +challenges
10 : 24 fouls
3 : 2 offsides

Most shots:
96: S. Cherundolo, C. Dabrowski, V. Hashemian (2 each)
Dortmund: N. Sahin (5)

Most setups:
96: M. Tarnat (3)
Dortmund: N. Sahin (5)

Most ball possesions:
96: M. Tarnat (64)
Dortmund: F. Kringe (84)

Most won challenges:
96: M. Tarnat (87%)
Dortmund: C. Metzelder (83%)

Source: IMP-Fussballdaten

The Reds US defender Steven Cherundolo scored his first goal this season for 96 (16th) on Saturday as Hannover beats Dortmund 2-0. It was the year 1964 when Hannover 96 have won their last match in Dortmund at the "Rote Erde" stadium. German midfielder Christoph Dabrowski has scored the second goal for Hannover (85th). It was the first win in Dortmund for 96 head coach Peter Neururer in his 7th attempt. 96 is now unbeaten in it's last four matches. Steven Cherundolo had to leave the field due to injury.

Neururer send his winning team (5-1 against Kaiserslautern) onto the pitch. Dortmund's coach Bert van Marwijk had to change his team on two positions: Christoph Metzelder replaced injured Dede, while Degen moved from the midfield into the back 4. Sebastian Kehl was out due to a stomach disorder.

The game got off to a hair-raising start, as Dortmund's Polish striker Ebi Smolarek' shot misses the right post from a 23metre distance just 11 seconds in to the game.

The hosts were the most dangerous team in the opening minutes and created a few chances like the shot from the youngest Bundesliga scorer ever, Turkish Sahin (11th), but 96-goalie Robert Enke catched the ball.

Three minutes later a shot from Kringe deflected at Polish full back Darius Zuraw in the box, setup by Dortmund's Smolarek.

96 surprisingly went ahead with their first chance: Odonkor gifted a ball to German Thomas Brdaric who passed short to Vahid Hashemian on the left wing. The Iranian International crossed in where German Michael Delura missed the ball, but has found the unmarked defender Cherundolo near the far post who finished from 8metres to score his first season tally (16th), 0-1. It was bad luck for Dortmund's goalkeeper Weidenfeller as the ball fell through his legs.

The hosts tried to react but were harmless against a good defence on Hannover's side who were waiting on counter attacks. Delron Buckleys attempts were just dangerous for the birds as he shot over the bar in the 21st and 24th.

Dortmund's best chance came through Ebi Smolarek in the 26th as he took a pass from Kruska after a giveaway from Atin Lala but the outrushing Enke saved the shot with his shoulder.

Halftime 0-1

Neururer replaced Delura with the Czech International Jiri Stajner as the right forward. Dortmund tried to control the match without creating any chances. In the 53rd minute of play Dortmund rewarded an unfounded free kick, when Czech International Thomas Rosicky tested Enke, who saved easiely.

Dortmund just were dangerous through standard situations, like in the 62nd as Sahin missed the crossbar. Seven minutes later a fierce shot from Kringe missed the left post with a few inches to spare (21metres).

Then Steven Cherundolo was replaced by German Sylvio Schroeter in the 71st due to injury.

In the 85th Degen gifted a ball to The Reds infront of the box. Stajner was on the right wing when he crossed in to the back of Dortmund's defence to Dabrowski who cooly netted home from 10metres into the top right corner to his second season tally, to the final result 0-2.

The Reds needed more than 40 years to bring home three points from Dortmund resulting in a strong defence. Michael Tarnat has covered well the fastest Bundesliga player Odonkor on his side as Cherundolo kept his side clear against Buckley. Dortmund's playmaker Rosicky was turned off by Altin Lala and company. Finally two blunders on Dortmund's side decided the match for 96. Hannover find themselves on the 8th spot in the table and rewarded 7 out of 9 points under the new coach Peter Neururer. Dabrowski got his 5th yellow card and misses next match while Cherundolo had to leave the field due to a calf injury. If the American will be in the starting-11 next Saturday against Borussia Moenchengladbach is not clear right now.

STATISTICS

Borussia Dortmund: Weidenfeller - P. Degen, Wörns, C. Metzelder, Kringe - Rosicky, Kruska, N. Sahin - Odonkor, Smolarek, Buckley - Coach: Van Marwijk

Hannover 96: Enke - Cherundolo, Mertesacker, Zuraw, Tarnat - Balitsch, Lala, Dabrowski - Delura, Hashemian, Brdaric - Coach: Neururer

Goals:
0:1 Cherundolo (16., right shot, setup by Hashemian),
0:2 Dabrowski (85., right shot, setup by Stajner)

Substitutions:
74. Saka for Odonkor
81. M. Steegmann for Buckley
46. Stajner for Delura
71. Schroeter for Cherundolo due to injury
81. Vinicius for Hashemian

Referee: Schmidt
Attendance: 72,200
Cautions: Kringe - Hashemian, Dabrowski, Lala

96-head coach Peter Neururer announces 18-man roster for the match against Dortmund:

Enke, Juric, Cherundolo, Mertesacker, Zuraw, Vinicius, Tarnat, Lala, Balitsch, Dabrowski, Yankov, Sousa, Schroeter, Delura, Stajner, Brdaric, Hashemian and Idrissou.

The possible lineups:

Borussia Dortmund: Weidenfeller – Degen, Metzelder, Woerns, Kringe – Kehl, Rosicky, Sahin – Odonkor, Smolarek, Buckley

Hannover 96: Enke – Cherundolo, Mertesacker, Zuraw, Tarnat – Balitsch, Lala, Dabrowski – Delura, Hashemian, Brdaric

96-defender Steven Cherundolo talks about the match against Kaiserslautern and the upcoming match against Dortmund:

"A long way has come to an end, Hannover 96 celebrates a fantastic goal festival..."

www.Cherundolo.de