German football fans in the UAE were treated to a taste of home away from home last night as The Sevens Stadium rolled out the red carpet to the Bundesliga.
And it was somewhat fitting that as the league continues its charm offensive throughout Asia the star of Wednesday’s friendly between Borussia Moenchengladbach and Hamburg was one of the continent’s rising stars.
Young South Korean striker Son Heung-Min scored one and made one for Hamburg as they played out an entertaining 2-2 draw against their German rivals.
Linked with a move to Liverpool last summer, 20-year -old Son has been tipped to fill the void left by Shinji Kagawa as Asian football’s new poster boy of German football.
Hamburg’s sporting director Frank Arnesen certainly believes the 6ft striker has a big future in the game. “He’s a young player who has been with us since he was 15. Every day he is progressing,” Arnesen told Sport360°.
“He’s very strong physically, his shot is unbelievable. Comfortable with both left and right foot and he is quick. He has everything to be a top, top player.”
Son opened the scoring early on, swiveling to hook home from close range after a corner from the right had caused panic in the Gladbach backline.
With Rafael van der Vaart sidelined, the most recognisable face in Hamburg’s side was former Chelsea defender Michael Mancienne, and it was his mistake that saw Gladback draw level soon after.
His trip on exciting young winger Patrick Herrmann saw the referee award a penalty which was duly dispatched by Gladbach skipper Filip Daems.
Hamburg would go in at the break 2-1 up though as a flowing move down the right saw the ever willing Son pick out his striker partner Artjoms Rudņevs, who made no mistake from close range.
A raft of changes from both teams at the interval stunted the flow of the game and it was Gladbach who profited as with just five minutes remaining substitute Branimir Hrgota fired in an unstoppable shot from the edge of the area.
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