Dusseldorf tame big city rivals.
I really wanted to visit The Olympic Stadium. It is one of the world’s most famous sporting venues. It was home to the 1936 Olympic Games. Now it is home to Hertha BSC.
Hertha were hosting Fortuna Dusseldorf. Both teams are in the middle of the Bundesliga. It is a German equivalent of West Ham versus Leicester City.
Seeing the stadium was very exciting. Much of its original structure remains including its towers, an outdoor swimming pool and a large area called the Maifeld which was used for equestrian events and political rallies. It was easy to imagine how the stadium must have looked when Jesse Owens won four gold medals.
The atmosphere was fantastic. Lots of scarves, flags, banners and flares. Everybody was relaxed. Before kick off Hertha fans sing their adopted club song, “Sailing”, the Rod Stewart version.
There was quite a lot of police officers on duty. Many were armed. Despite this a platoon of Yam Yams broke through lines and made it all the way to the stadium.
Fortuna were the best team and deservedly won the contest 2-1. There could have been more goals but I can’t complain. It was a great way to spend Saturday afternoon.
Herr Ulrich would be pleased.
Gordon's Gubbins. 