DÜSSELDORF, Germany — United States men’s national team players Zack Steffen and Alfredo Morales featured in Fortuna Düsseldorf’s 2-0 victory Sunday over rival 1.FC Köln. Both Americans played a major role in front of 51,114 spectators at the Merkur Spiel-Arena.
It was a heated affair both on and off the field between two cities separated by just 30 miles. Flares were lit several times by Köln fans and both supporters groups created an intense atmosphere.
“The derby is an important game for us. I told the team beforehand that it will be an intense game,” Düsseldorf head coach Friedhelm Funkel said.