Sammer still confident

By Thomas Zeh
Borussia Dortmund coach Matthias Sammer is confident that his side will progress into the next round of the Uefa Cup despite being held to a 2-2 home draw by French outfit Sochaux.

The visitors played defensively, but converted their first two chances thanks to Brazilian Santos and Pierre-Alain Frau, but like in the 3-2 win over Hamburg last weekend, Sammer's side managed to cancel out a two-goal deficit with a fine second half performance.

Still without 12 players, Dortmund pulled one back thanks to 18-year-old amateur player Sahr Senesie before Brazilian striker Ewerthon equalised on 76 minutes.

"Our opponents had three shots on goal in the first half and their first two went in, so we were in a very difficult psychological situation, but I am pleased about the reaction we showed after the break," said Sammer.

"The crowd backed us all the time and our young players really gave their best.

"Sochaux, who were strong opponents, looked tired in the end and we even had the chance to win 3-2 or even 4-2. But I am confident that, for the rematch, some of our leading players will have recovered from injury and then we should be able to get a good result in France."

Midfielder Lars Ricken was full of praise for the 38,000 home fans at the Westfalenstadium.

"Once again our fans helped us to win a vital point," he asserted. "For a second time in a row we had to start from 2-0 down, but we showed that we can always come back.

"The morale in the team is impressive and this gives me plenty of hope that we'll get into the next round."