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SportsWatford braces for 6,000 Hansa Rostock fans in historic friendly
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BILD reports exclusively from Vicarage Road as Watford FC prepares to host German third-division side Hansa Rostock in a historic pre-season friendly on Saturday. Approximately 6,000 Rostock supporters are expected to travel to Watford for the match, which marks Hansa's first game on English soil. The article captures the calm before the storm, describing the empty stands, the authentic character of the stadium, and preparations at the nearby pub 'The Red Lion.' Security staff member Chloe Mökaki expresses excitement, calling it a highlight for Watford. Bartender Bettina notes the pub has ordered extra beer, having heard Hansa fans are very passionate. The match is seen as a significant event for both clubs, not just an ordinary summer test.
Source report
No chants. No fan marches. No blue-and-white crowds in front of the stadium gates. Only the hum of the lawnmowers. And the anticipation of what is to come.
Because the Vicarage Road won't stay empty for much longer. On Saturday (3 PM), Hansa Rostock will play their first match on English soil against Watford FC. For Hansa, it's a piece of club history. For many fans, a dream come true. 6,000 Rostock supporters are expected.
Before the great blue-and-white wave reaches Watford, BILD received exclusive insights into the home of the English traditional club.
Everything Is Being Prepared in Watford
Currently, only club employees, groundskeepers, suppliers – and BILD – are entering the stadium. When you think of English football, you think of exactly such places. Brick facades. Narrow paths. Wall paintings. Graffiti. Stands that sit close to the pitch. The Vicarage Road is no glossy temple. Honest. Authentic. With character. This is exactly where Hansa will write another chapter of club history on Saturday.
The View Usually Only the Pros Have
The view over the immaculate pitch. The perspective from the coaching benches. The spots from which the coach and substitutes will follow every scene.
Still Empty – Soon Full of Emotions
It is also quiet in the area of the Hansa fans. Empty rows. Free access points. No crowding. But this is exactly where it will get loud on Saturday. This is where they will sing. This is where they will cheer.
The first Rostock fans already stopped by around the Vicarage Road on Thursday, took souvenir photos, and got a first look at the stadium.
Watford Is Also Looking Forward to Hansa
Not only the fans are eagerly anticipating the duel. The excitement is also growing at the host club.
Security staff member Chloe Mökaki tells BILD:
"We are expecting something great. For us, it's the first real pre-season game. It's also a highlight for us to play against a German team. We are full of anticipation and excited."
Words that show: In Watford too, this game is not perceived as an ordinary summer test.
Even in the Pub, Everything Revolves Around Hansa
The anticipation is not only growing in the stadium. At the traditional pub "The Red Lion," ten meters from the Vicarage Road, preparations are also underway for the football Saturday.
Bartender Bettina tells BILD:
"On match days, we are usually only open for home fans. But of course, we have ordered more beer. A lot is drunk here on match days."
She has also already heard about the guests from Rostock.
"I've heard that the Hansa fans are very passionate."
In a few hours, the streets around the Vicarage Road will fill up. The pubs will fill up. The stands as well. Then the calm that the stadium radiated in the days before will disappear.
Source
BILD - SportWestern
Part of this Story
7,000 Hansa Rostock Fans Outnumber Home Supporters at Watford Friendly