Hearts 3 Stuttgart 2 (Agg 3-3, Stuttgart win)

By Ian Rodgers, PA Sport

Hearts' brave bid for a UEFA Cup upset eventually faltered against Stuttgart despite a thrilling 3-2 home win.

The Jambos had hauled themselves back into the game after Sean Dundee and Marcelo Bordon had given the Bundesliga side a 2-1 lead early in the second half after Steven Pressley had appeared to give the home side the lead.

Strikes from Gordan Petric and a Colin Cameron penalty were not enough to stop Stuttgart who finished the game with nine men after the dismissals of Silvio Meissner and Thomas Schneider.

But Hearts supporters had appeared set for a glory night when Steven Pressley and Stuttgart defender Thomas Schneider inadvertently combined to draw the Edinburgh club back into the tie in the 17th minute.

The first half had started at a swift tempo which increased as the 45 minutes progressed.

The German team had promised to kill the game off as swiftly as possible and Marcelo Bordon missed two good chances from corners to do just that.

But the Hearts supporters were only too willing to rise to Jim Jefferies' call for them to become a 12th man.

However Gary Locke, who was clearly struggling with injury, was forced to haul down Bradley Carnell in the ninth minute to earn a foolish caution just outside the Stuttgart box.

But in the 17th minute, Hearts brought themselves back into the tie and the Tynecastle crowd to its feet.

Kevin James flicked on Gary Naysmith's corner at the near post and Pressley steamed into the area.

Both Pressley and Stuttgart defender Thomas Schneider jumped for the ball at the same time leaving Hildebrand with no chance.

Moments later, the Bundesliga team were threatening again when Sean Dundee and Kriszten Lisztes combined to free Jochen Seitz on the right.

The German unleashed a tremendous drive which flew across Antti Niemi's goal.

Locke was continuing to struggle against injury and eventually manager Jim Jefferies switched him for Robbie Neilson.

Neilson found space on the edge of the area from a Naysmith cross and Hildebrand was forced to scramble across his line to save.

But the Germans broke clear through Seitz who struck at goal. Niemi saved but Dundee hooked the rebound past the Finnish international.

Niemi did brilliantly to produce a stunning save from Seitz' blistering drive in the 42nd minute.

The German side opened the second half in imperious style as they bossed midfield against Hearts injury-ravaged team.

The youngsters were looking weary as Seitz, Lisztes and Pablo Thiam seized control of the game.

Silvio Meissner saw his drilled strike deflected wide as the Germans continued to try and press home their territorial advantage and in the 58th minute, they did just that.

Seitz's corner was flicked over the Hearts defence by Hosny and Bordon rose to virtually assure the Germans' safe passage into the second round.

But the home side were far from finished and offered themselves a lifeline four minutes later.

Naysmith swung over a corner from the left, James rose to flick goalwards and Gordan Petric appeared to get the vital touch which took the ball over the line.

Balakov almost ensured Stuttgart's win when he blazed just over from inside the box after collecting Pinto's ball.

Jefferies knew he had to take a gamble to keep his side in the game and threw Gary McSwegan into the fray with 14 minutes left to replace Kirk.

Dundee almost made the move redundant but he hit Meissner's cross over the crossbar and then suddenly Hearts were back in the game in a moment of farce.

A long punt by Niemi was collected by McSwegan and he turned Meissner in the area.

But the Stuttgart defender pulled back the striker leaving referee Bruno Derrien to consult his assistant before pointing to the spot.

But the Luxembourg referee then showed the red card to Thiam - clearly not the man responsible for the foul.

The linesman was again called over to point Derrien in the right direction and Meissner was gone before Cameron slotted home the penalty.

Seconds later, Stuttgart were reduced to nine men when Schneider was dismissed for a second bookable offence.

However there was still some energy left in the game and Petric will not enjoy waking up in the morning after skying Neilson's clever lob into the area well over the bar with only Hildebrand to beat.

Ultimately it was brave but just not enough for a walking wounded Hearts side.

Teams:

Hearts: Niemi, Locke (Neilson 27), Pressley, Murray, Naysmith, James, Petric, Cameron, Flogel, Kirk (McSwegan 76), Juanjo.

Subs Not Used: Rousset, Jackson, Adam, O'Neil, Simpson.

Booked: Locke, Cameron, Murray.

Goals: Pressley 17, Petric 62, Cameron 84 pen.

VfB Stuttgart: Hildebrand, Meissner, Bordon, Schneider, Carnell, Thiam, Balakov (S. Blank 86), Seitz (Pinto 69), Lisztes (Todt 73), Hosny, Dundee.

Subs Not Used: Trautner, Ganea, Hleb, Amanatidis.

Sent Off: Meissner (83), Schneider (86).

Booked: Schneider.

Goals: Dundee 37, Bordon 58.

Att: 14,488

Ref: Bruno Derrien (France).


Taken from sportinglife.com