Union Berlin secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory after extra time against Arminia Bielefeld in the DFB-Pokal. The match saw a memorable moment when defender Leo Querfeld opened the scoring with a header in the 11th minute. What made the goal even more special was Querfeld’s unique celebration, where he formed a heart shape with his hands towards the stands, a gesture dedicated to his supportive girlfriend.
A Heartfelt Dedication
Following the match, the 21-year-old defender revealed the personal meaning behind his celebration. "My girlfriend was in the stands. She supports me at almost every game and is always there for me. She deserved this," Querfeld explained. His girlfriend, Hannah Szladits, is also an athlete, playing hockey for TC1899 Blau-Weiß Berlin in the second Bundesliga and representing the Austrian U21 national team. Her own sporting commitments mean she cannot attend every Union match, but she often travels to support Querfeld, even for away games, highlighting her significant role as a source of encouragement for him.
Querfeld’s Contribution to Union’s Attack
While Querfeld is primarily a defender, his goal against Bielefeld marked his second of the season. This highlights a trend where Union Berlin’s defensive players have been contributing to the team’s goal tally. The captain, Christopher Trimmel, provided the assist for Querfeld’s headed goal, showcasing effective teamwork from the Berlin club. The special celebration underscored the personal connection and support system that fuels the young defender’s performance on the field.