What's happened
Hearts suffered a disappointing defeat against Heidenheim in the Conference League, losing 2-0 at Tynecastle. Despite a strong first-half performance, Hearts failed to convert chances, allowing Heidenheim to score twice in the second half. The loss leaves Hearts in a precarious position in the group stage.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Alan Pattullo in The Scotsman, Hearts manager Neil Critchley expressed disappointment over the missed chances, stating, "You have to score when you're on top." This sentiment was echoed by Anthony Brown from The Independent, who noted that Hearts created numerous opportunities but failed to capitalize, ultimately allowing Heidenheim to secure the win. Mark Atkinson from The Scotsman highlighted the contrast in performance between the two halves, with Hearts unable to maintain their first-half dominance. The overall consensus among the sources is that Hearts' inability to convert chances was a critical factor in their defeat.
How we got here
Hearts entered this match with a solid start in the Conference League, having won their first two matches. However, they faced a tough challenge against Heidenheim, a team that has risen through the ranks of German football to the Bundesliga.
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