Fans go through all the emotions
Braving freezing temperatures inside the Volkswagen Arena in Wolfsburg last night, Pompey's army of travelling fans went through the full spectrum of human emotions.
The impressive 30,000 seat stadium, which opened in 2002, proudly displays Wolfsburg's green colours all around.
But Pompey fans turned one corner of the stadium into a sea of blue as they gathered in full voice for what turned out to be their last stand in Europe.
The match against Vfl Wolfsburg was a textbook example of why millions of people over the world are addicted to the beautiful game.
Inside 90 minutes Pompey's fans went through it all.
Despair, joy, unbridled elation, anger and finally shock as their usually reliable goalkeeper David James gave the hosts an early Christmas present with an agonising mistake.
Fans made sure they got into the stadium early to watch the players warm up and they filled up on hot dogs, chips and beer.
Just over a week after Pompey announced more details about plans for the club's new stadium at Horsea Island, the supporters who arrived in Germany admired Wolfsburg's very own dream stadium, which the club moved into six years ago.
It was given the nod of approval from fans who admitted it was exactly the kind of place they would like to see Pompey move into.
After cheering the arrival of the players on the pitch by blasting out Play up Pompey and Blue Army, the jubilant mood of the fans was shattered early on when Edin Dzeko knocked the ball into the net from close range.
Then Jermain Defoe slipped the ball home to equalise and the Pompey fans jumped for joy.
With the Pompey players pouring towards the German team's goal looking for a second the fans burst into a rendition of Tony Adams' Blue Army.
As if boosted by the noise rising from their loyal supporters Pompey seized the initiative and took the lead.
After just 14 minutes of the game, and as Arnold Mvuemba's deflected shot flew past Benaglio in the Wolfsburg goal, the blue corner of the stadium erupted.
Fans in Pompey shirts were dancing in the aisles and it was the turn of the Germans to stay silent.
But the breathless drama of the first half wasn't yet over.
As the Pompey fans were beginning to dream of Uefa cup glory Wolfsburg delivered a reality check as the blues failed to clear a corner and Gentner's cross-shot drifted past James and into the net.
While the players left the field for their half-time break Pompey fans were confident they would take the three points.
Ian Lindsay, 48, from the Isle of Wight, said: 'We are struggling a bit to be honest but we've done well to score two goals and we look dangerous when we go forward.'
Debbie Cusack, 45, from Portchester, said: 'It would actually be nice to be able to hold on to a lead for once.'
After recharging on more beers and hot dogs the fans made their way back to their seats, although hardly any chose to use them, preferring to stand to try and keep warm as snow began to fall.
As the game wore on the fantastic Pompey fans tried to motivate their heroes by singing their hearts out – but in the 74th minute they were left in a state of disbelief when David James gave the ball away to Misimovic, who had the easy task of walking the ball into an empty net.
While the Germans celebrated the Pompey fans tried to strengthen their resolve, but things were going against them.
The European dream was fading fast.
News filtered round that Braga were beating Heeren-veen and as the game raced towards the final whistle not even a penalty save by James could lighten their mood.
After the final whistle the fans stayed to show their appreciation to the players.
They also saluted the Wolfsburg team, who returned the show of respect to the travelling blue army.An error was made.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Portsmouth
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 14 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 24 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: South
