Former ÖFB Star Harnik Nets Brace on Debut for New Club
The 39-year-old scored twice in his very first appearance. However, he clearly felt that he still lacked some match practice.
One day after being introduced as a new player for HT 16, former ÖFB national team player Martin Harnik already celebrated his first appearance in his new kit – and scored twice in the process.
In the 7-2 victory over Concordia Hamburg in the Landespokal, the attacking player enjoyed a perfect debut.
After exactly 60 minutes, Harnik entered the pitch for his new club for the first time; 30 minutes later, he was already celebrating progression to the next round.
His start, however, didn't go entirely as planned. With the score at 3-0, HT 16 conceded their first goal shortly after his substitution.
Harnik took responsibility for the scene: "I came in and immediately didn't cover my man properly. That was my opponent who scored the goal. That's part of the truth too."
"30 Minutes Felt Like 120"
After that, things went much better for the 39-year-old. In the 71st minute, Harnik lurked in the penalty area, put his right instep to the ball, and secured the preliminary decision for 4-1 from close range.
Later, the ex-professional added another goal, completing a brace on his debut.
"That was definitely fun," beamed Harnik after his successful debut. After a longer break, the former Bundesliga professional, who played for TuS Dassendorf last season, can now pursue his great passion again.
However, the return to the pitch was not without consequences. "I can tell that I'm quite a bit behind. These 30 minutes felt like 120 minutes in fit condition. I was really huffing and puffing," Harnik revealed.
