Potsdam's Schröder wary of Duisburg comeback

A 2-2 draw in an away European first-leg is usually considered a handy result but after UEFA Women's Champions League holders 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam earned that result at FCR 2001 Duisburg, coach Bernd Schröder was not so sure.

Potsdam twice led their German rivals in the first half of the semi-final only to be pegged back each time to leave the scoreline level for next Sunday's return in eastern Germany. A repeat of the 1-0 second leg from when these sides met a year ago would take Potsdam through without the need for penalties this time, but Schröder is cautious.

"That's a very dangerous result for us," Schröder told UEFA.com. "Last year, we knew we had to win at home and this time we have to be really careful. Also, Duisburg will be stronger in the return leg, with Simone Laudehr coming back [from a ban] and we will really miss [the now suspended] Bianca Schmidt, who picked up a yellow for a really unnecessary foul in midfield."

Overall though, the experienced coach – hoping for his and the club's record-equalling third European title – was pleased with what he saw in the 90 minutes. "This was a great match, it was better than the [German] Cup final [which Potsdam lost to 1. FFC Frankfurt], there was action in front of both goals and a very turbulent encounter," Schröder said. "Both teams however showed weaknesses in defence."

Striker Isabel Kerschowski, who opened the scoring with a thunderous free-kick after 16 minutes, was frustrated at the goals Potsdam conceded. "Twice we take the lead, twice we immediately concede goals," the 23-year-old said. "We made some stupid mistakes in midfield for those goals we conceded, but we got two away goals and now we will put it beyond doubt in Potsdam."

Asked about her 30-metre free-kick – hailed by Duisburg captain Inka Grings - Kerschowski's face lit up and she said: "We do practise this in training and I hit the ball really well. For me, it was an unstoppable shot, but I have to see it again on TV."

Kerschowski was lively throughout having already scored twice in the quarter-finals but Schröder being Schröder, he was sparing with praise. The 68-year-old coach said: "It was a great free-kick, she is making good progress, but she can improve her attacking game and at home she is always a class better than away. So I hope that we will see the real Kerschowski in the return leg.

"It was a deserved draw in a match in which two teams met eye to eye, though we came close to winning at Duisburg which we haven't done for a really long time", Schröder concluded and no one felt like disagreeing.
"Next Sunday, we will have another great game and we expect 7,000 spectators. Two away goals are good, but not enough for a sound sleep."