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Sports7,000 Hansa Rostock fans create Champions League atmosphere at Watford despite 0-3 loss
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Despite a 0-3 loss to Watford in a pre-season friendly, approximately 7,000 traveling fans of German third-division club Hansa Rostock created a Champions League-like atmosphere at Vicarage Road in England. Players and coach Daniel Brinkmann expressed deep gratitude and awe at the fan support, which turned the match into a home-like experience 1,400 kilometers from Rostock. Striker Andreas Voglsammer acknowledged Watford's deserved victory and his own missed header, but the overwhelming sentiment was one of pride and identification with the club. Midfielder Jonas Dirkner compared the atmosphere to top European competitions. The article highlights the emotional impact on new signings and the club's passionate fanbase.
Source report
The scoreboard showed 0–3. But when the Hansa players stepped in front of the blue-and-white fan blocks after the final whistle, the result was already secondary. Thousands of Rostock fans celebrated their team in the stadium of FC Watford as if they had just won a final.
Around 7,000 Hansa fans had traveled to England and created an atmosphere that even experienced professionals rarely encounter.
An Experience for Eternity
Not only the fans will forget the trip to Watford anytime soon. The display in the stands is also likely to have an impact on the team. Coach Daniel Brinkmann is convinced that many players realized once again on this day what charisma Hansa possesses.
Speaking on Hansa-TV, Brinkmann said:
"I can imagine that, because I believe everyone realized, who maybe wasn't one hundred percent clear on it before, how great the reach of Hansa Rostock is and how big this club is and how passionate the fans are."
For numerous new signings and players without a long Hansa history, the England trip was a real moment of identification.
"Champions League Feeling"
Striker Andreas Voglsammer also turned his gaze to the stands after the final whistle.
"We can only thank them from the bottom of our hearts for supporting us on this trip," said the attacker.
The support did not let up over the entire 90 minutes. The chants of the Rostock fans echoed through the stadium again and again. At times, the duel felt more like a home game than a test match, 1,400 kilometers away from Rostock.
Source: BILD / X: @LeePartridge16 & @thewatfordway / YouTube: Watford FC — 26.07.2026
Brinkmann was also deeply impressed:
"I think this is an unforgettable experience for all of us, but I also think for the fans. I have never experienced anything like it."
Jonas Dirkner even found a comparison with top European football:
"It felt like a Champions League or Europa League feeling."
Sporting Highs and Lows
Despite all the enthusiasm, the sporting side was less successful.
"At the end of the day, Watford deserved to win because they were simply the better team," said Voglsammer.
The attacker also held his own team accountable:
"We didn't do everything right. Defensively and offensively. And I also have to score a header."
Coach Brinkmann nevertheless drew a largely positive conclusion:
"Overall, I am satisfied with the test, less so with the result, but with a large part of the game."
The result spoke for Watford. The atmosphere spoke for Hansa.
Source
BILD - SportWestern
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