Sunday 29 September 2013

DFB Pokal (German FA Cup) Third Round Pairings

The draw for the third round pairings of the DFB Cup was conducted by Jogi Low (German national side coach).  In the eight matches, three are Bundesliga vs Bundesliga.  FC Bayern Muenchen travels to FC Augsburg, Leverkusen is hosted by Freiburg, while Schalke 04 hosts Hoffenheim.

Borussia Dortmund will be the guest at  3rd division club 1. FC Saarbrueken, 2nd Bundesliga leader 1. FC Koeln hosts Hamburger SV.  Union Berlin travels to Kaiserslautern, and Wolfsburg hosts Ingolstadt.  

All games will be played on December 3 and 4, 2013.

Eintracht Frankfurt - SV Sandhausen
1. FC Union Berlin - 1. FC Kaiserslautern
FC Schalke 04 - 1899 Hoffenheim
1. FC Saarbrücken - Borussia Dortmund
Hamburger SV - 1. FC Köln
SC Freiburg - Bayer 04 Leverkusen
FC Augsburg - FC Bayern München
VfL Wolfsburg - FC Ingolstadt

Saturday 28 September 2013

Bundesliga Matchday 7 Roundup - Dortmund remains on top


Borussia Dortmund remains on top of the table with a four goal lead over FC Bayern Muenchen.  Leverkusen trails the leaders with just one point.  SC Freiburg, which gave up five unanswered goals against Dortmund, continues to struggle near the basement of the league.  Newly promoted Hertha BSC Berlin edged out another win, their third of the season, to move into fifth spot in the top flight.  Hannover, which lost 2-0 to Leverkusen, remains in fourth spot, trailing Leverkusen by four points.

FC Augsburg vs Borussia Moenchengladbach  2-2

 Both Augsburg and Gladbach had three wins and three losses on their tally sheet prior to the match, with nine points after six games.  Augsburg's side, despite their low position at the end of last season, had either tied or lost by one goal in its matches.  The side is strong defensively.  Augsburg, with the support of the home crowd, started to pressure Gladbach from the start.  The guests relied on counters initially.  Gladbach had its first scoring opportunity when Arango fired the ball at the net and hit just under the crossbar.  Augsburg responded with a goal in the 27th minute, on a pass from Werner to Hahn, who put it away.  Four minutes later, in the 31st minute, Gladbach answered with a goal from Kruse. The second half continued to provide entertainment for the fans. Augsburg had a slight advantage, but Gladbach was able to convert its opportunities.  Hrgota gave the lead to Gladbach in the 71st minute, but Augsburg got the equalizer with Milik's goal just before the final whistle in the 88th minute.

Borussia Dortmund vs SC Freiburg 5-0

Marco Reus got a double pack, witih goals in the 35th and 45th minute. The two goal lead, coupled with Diagne's red card, pretty well sealed the deal for Dortmund at the end of the first half. Robert Lewandowski completed a double pack in the 58th and and 70th minute and Jakub Blaszczykowski sealed Freiburg's fate in the 79th minute, for a 5-0 Dortmund win.  Robert Lewandowski tallied his 60th Bundesliga goal.  With this win Dortmund consolidated its spot on top of the league,while Freiburg continues to struggle at the bottom of the league with just three points.

FC Bayern Muenchen vs VFL Wolfsburg 1-0

Bayern dominated the match from the start, but Wolfsburg's effort stopped the record champion from scoring. Pep Guardiola assembled a start assortment for his starting line-up, but it wasn't until Kroos and Schaquiri replaced Schweinsteiger and Arjen Robben that Mueller scored Bayern's only goal in the 63rd minute.  Wolfsburg seldom tested Manuel Neuer, although a close result could have resulted in an equalizer. Wolfsburg was solid in the defence.  Bayern remains in spot two, while Wolfsburg slides to ninth.

Bayer Leverkusen vs Hannover 96  2-0

Leverkusen demonstrated that they rightfully belonged to the elite of the Bundesliga. Goals by Rolfes (23rd) and Sam (37th) secured the three points for the Bayer side.  After the halftime lead, the club managed its lead and missed a couple of good opportunities to win even higher.  The win keeps Leverkusen in third place, just one point behind Dortmund and Bayern, but four points ahead of Hannover.  With six wins and one loss Leverkusen equals the wins of the top two.  Hannover remains in fourth spot for now, six points behind the leaders.

1899 Hoffenheim vs Schalke 04   3-3

Schalke started this season with big hopes, but with 1 win, two draws and four losses Schalke's hopes are dashed for now.  Schalke dominated the first half, with early goals by Prince Boateng (3rd) and Matip (13th).  Hoffenheim's Modste narrowed the scored in the 16th minute, but Schalke restored the two goal lead, when Hoeger made it 3- 1 in the 40th.   Firmino made it 3-2 in the 48th and Abraham got the equalizer for Hoffenheim in the 61st minute.  The point moves Hoffenheim into eighth spot, while Schalke moves into 13th.

Hertha BSC Berlin vs Mainz  05   3-1

Mainz put in a good performance in the first half, but it was all Berlin in the second.  Mainz too the lead in the eighth minute when Mueller hit the back of the net.  Mainz carried that lead to the halftime whistle.  Berlin scored three unanswered goals in the second half, with goals  by Allagui in the 48th and 73rd meeting and Ben-Hatira in the 74th. With this 3-1 win, Berlin, with three wins, two draws and two losses, Berlin currently holds fifth spot on the table.  With three wins and four losses Schalke  slipped to13 the spot.  Schalke was widely believed to be a top contender this season.  With ten points behind third placed Leverkusen, Schalke has a lot of work to do.

Eintracht Frankfurt vs Hamburger SV 2-2

Frankfurt and Hamburg played to a 2-2 draw.  Flum took the lead for Frankfurt in the 31st minute, but Hamburg's Lasogga struck back three minutes into injury time in the first half, send the teams to the dressing room with a 1-1 draw.  Russ once again gave the lead to Frankfurt in the 54th minute.  Frankfurt managed to hang on to the lead until the 84th minute, when Jansen got the equalizer.  The single point didn't do much for either team.  With eight and five points, respectively the sides are well behind the leaders, in the 12th and 15th spot. Bremen moves into ninth spot, while Nuernberg is still elusive of a victory and remains in

Werder Bremen vs 1. FC Nuernberg  3-3

Nuernberg, once again, came back from behind to capture a point in Bremen.  Danbali's own goal in the eight  minute gave Werder the early lead and Eliamade it 2-0 in the 34th.  Nuernberg continued to battle and made it 2-1, when Kiothaki netted before the halfway mark. Drmic got the equalizer in the 53rd.  Elia, put Bremen ahead again in the 66th, but Nuernberg equalized with Hiousek's goal in the 70th minute.  While Bremen dominated much of the first 45, Nuernberg had a complete turn around in the second half.  With an attack happy Nuernberg and a less productive Bremen in the second 45, Nuernberg had more opportunities and was close several times in deciding the match in their favor.  Bremen moves into ninth spot, while Nuernberg is still elusive of a victory and has 5 draws on their record.

Eintracht Braunschweig vs VFB Stuttgart  0-4

Eintracht Braunschweig is still chasing its first win in seven starts.  The game was very much on even keel until halftime, Stuttgart shifted gears in the second half.  Ibisevic (40th) gave Stuttgart the 1-0 lead late in the first half .  Shortly into the second half, in the 50th minute, Maxim increased Stuttgart's lead to 2-0.  Traore, after several missed opportunities, finally got his well deserved goal to make it 3-0.  Harnik, after replacing Werner, netted  to make the final score 4-0.  Braunschweig has one point in seven games, with one draw and seven losses. Their goal difference is -16 and they continue to remain at the bottom of the league.  Stuttgart's win has moved the Schwaben into sixth spot.

Friday 27 September

FC Augsburg vs Borussia M'gladbach   2-2

Saturday 28 September


Borussia Dortmund vs SC Freiburg 5-0    
FC Bayern vs VfL Wolfsburg     1-0
Bayer Leverkusen vs Hannover 96     2-0
1899 Hoffenheim vs Schalke 04     3-3
Hertha BSC vs FSV Mainz 05     3-1
Eintracht Frankfurt vs Hamburger SV     2-2

Sunday 29 September
Werder Bremen vs Nürnberg    3-3 
Eintracht Braunschweig vs VFB Stuttgart  0-4


Place-----Team-----------------------GP---W---D----L---GF/GA ---Pts
1--------Borussia Dortmund-----------7----6----1-----0------21:5-------19
2--------FC Bayern Muenchen--------7----6----1-----0------14-2-------19
3--------Bayer Leverkusen-------------7----6----0-----1------17:7-------18
4--------Hannover 96--------------------7----4----0-----3-----10:10------12
5------- Hertha BSC Berlin-------------7----3----2-----2-----13:8--------11
6-------VFB Stuttgart--------------------7----3----1-----3-----15:9--------10 
7--------Borussia M'gladbach----------7----3----1-----3-----17:13-------10
8--------FCAugsburg--------------------7----3----1-----3------8:11-------10
9-------Werder Bremen------------------7----3----1-----3------8:11-------10 
10------1899 Hoffenheim--------------- 7----2----3-----2-----18:18-------9
11------VFL Wolfsburg-----------------7----3----0-----4-------9:9---------9
12-------Mainz 05-------------------------7----3----0-----4-----10:15-------9
13-------Eintracht Frankfurt--------------7----2----2-----3-----10:12-------8
14------FC Schalke 04-------------------7----1----2-----4-------9:17--------8
15------1. FC Nürnberg------------------7-----0----5-----2-----9:12----------5
16------Hamburg--------------------------7----1----2-----4-----13:18---------5
17------SC Freiburg----------------------7-----0----3-----4------8:17---------3
18------Eintracht Braunschweig--------7-----0----1-----6------3:19---------1

Thursday 26 September 2013

Bundesliga Matchday 7 Preview: FCB and BVB try to break gridlock, crunchtime for Freiburg

With the midweek DFB Pokal competition out of the way, all eyes will turn to the Bundesliga. With only three goals separating top runners Bayern and Dortmund, both sides will attempt to gain the point advantage and the top of the table.  Pep Guardiola and Juergen Klopp rested some of their star players during the DFB Pokal and should be well prepared to meet the challenges.  For SC Freiburg its crunch time if the side is to move up from the leagues basement.

Both Bayern and Dortmund have home pitch advantage when Bayern hosts Wolfsburg and Dortmund hosts beleaguered SC Freiburg on Saturday.  For Freiburg it will be a major task to overcome the Borussen.  Wolfsburg, currently in sixth spot with three wins and three losses, the appearance at the Allianz arena will be a difficult one.

The Friday opener, which will be broadcast and GolTV Canada at 2:30 pm EDT, will feature FC Augsburg hosting Bourussia Moenchengladbach. Both sides have nine points to their credit, with three wins and three losses.

Third placed Bayer Leverkusen hosts fourth placed Hannover 96.  Both teams need a win to maintain contact with the leaders of the league.  The home team advantage has to go to Leverkusen.  Hannover also has to overcome the midweek thumping by FC Bayern.  Hoffenheim hosts Schalke 04 and the two clubs are separated by one point.  Schalke needs a success to live up to the expectations of a top contender in the Bundesliga.  This may be a difficult task in Sinsheim.

Berlin hosts Mainz 05 and both sides were eliminated by 2nd Bundesliga outfits, Koeln and Kaiserslautern from DFB Cup competition.  Despite an early surge in the league this season, both sides have now suffered losses and will try to  make up the deficit.  Berlin has the home pitch advantage.

The final Saturday match is in Frankfurt with Hamburg as the visitors.  Both teams require a success story.  This should be a closely contested match and all bets are off.

To conclude the matchday, Werder Bremen host Nuernberg and Stuttgart travels to Braunschweig.

With six games in the books, a pattern is emerging with Bayern and Dortmund establishing their dominance of the league.  Leverkusen and Hannover are still close enough to challenge the league leaders, making their result important this weekend.  Failing disasters, both Dortmund and Munich should emerge victorious.  With Champions League week ahead of the sides next week, the line ups will be based on strategy.  Dortmund will host Olympique Marseille next Tuesday, while Bayern travels to Manchester City.  Schalke 04 travels to Basel, while Leverkusen takes on San Sebastian at home. 


Friday 27 September

FC Augsburg vs Borussia M'gladbach   2-2

Saturday 28 September


Borussia Dortmund vs SC Freiburg     
FC Bayern vs VfL Wolfsburg     
Bayer Leverkusen vs Hannover 96     
1899 Hoffenheim vs Schalke 04     
Hertha BSC vs FSV Mainz 05     
Eintracht Frankfurt vs Hamburger SV     

Sunday 29 September
Werder Bremen vs Nürnberg     
Eintracht Braunschweig vs VFB Stuttgart


Place-----Team-----------------------GP---W---D----L---GF/GA ---Pts
1--------Borussia Dortmund-----------6----5----1-----0------16:5-------16
2--------FC Bayern Muenchen--------6----5----1-----0------13-2-------16
3--------Bayer Leverkusen-------------6----5----0-----1------15:7-------15
4--------Hannover 96--------------------6----4----0-----2-----10:8-------12
5--------Borussia M'gladbach----------7----3----0-----4-----17:13------10
6--------FCAugsburg--------------------7----3----0-----4------8:11-------10
7--------VFL Wolfsburg-----------------6----3----0-----3-------9:8--------9
8--------Mainz 05-------------------------6----3----0-----3------9:12--- ----9
9-------Werder Bremen------------------6----3----0-----3-------5:8---------9
10------ Hertha BSC Berlin-------------6----2----2-----2-----10:7---------8
11------1899 Hoffenheim--------------- 6----2----2-----2-----15:15--------8
11------VFB Stuttgart--------------------6----2----1-----3-----11:9----------7
13------Eintracht Frankfurt--------------6----2----1-----3-----8:10----------7
14------FC Schalke 04-------------------6----1----1-----4------6:14----------7
15------1. FC Nürnberg------------------6-----0----4-----1-----6:9-----------4
16------Hamburg--------------------------6----1----1-----4-----11:16---------4
17------SC Freiburg----------------------6-----0----3-----3------8:12---------3
18------Eintracht Braunschweig--------6-----0----1-----5------3:15---------1

German FA Cup (DFB Pokal) second round eliminates Hertha, Hannnover and Mainz 05

The DFB Pokal second round features 13 Bundesliga clubs among the 32 contenders, when all was said and done, three, Hertha BSC Berlin, Hannover 96 and Mainz 05, were eliminated.

2nd Bundesliga outfit 1860 Muenchen put up a stellar fight against Juergen Klopp's Borussia Dortmund. In front of 71,000 fans in the Allianz arena, the other Munich team held the Champions League finalist to a scoreless time over 90 minutes.  1860 ran out of steam during overtime and defeated the Lions with two unanswered goals.  Robert Lewandowski, who is expected to sign with Bayern Muenchen in January, was kept in check by the Lions.

Bayern Muenchen hosted Hannover 96 on Wednesday and the side showed its quality once again, when they rolled 4-1 over the guests.  Bayer Leverkusen scored twice against 2nd Bundesliga outfit Arminia Bielefeld to move to the next round. Schalke 04 managed a 3-1 win over Darmstadt 98. 

2nd Bundesligist Kaiserslautern move past Hertha BSC Berlin with a 3-1 win at the Fritz Walter Stadium on the Betzenberg and Mainz 05 lost against 1.FC Koeln.

At the end of the day, ten Bundesliga, five 2nd Bundesliga, and one third league, 1.FC Saarbruecken, will be competing in the third round.  Jogi Low, coach of Germany's national side, will be making the draw on Sunday.  The third round will be played on December 3rd and 4th.

Below are the results of round 2:

September 24
,
Preußen Münster vs FC Augsburg            0-3   
SC Wiedenbrück vs SV Sandhausen          1-3     
1860 München vs Borussia Dortmund    0-2           
VfL Wolfsburg vs VfR Aalen               2-0
Arminia Bielefeld vs Bayer Leverkusen      0-2         
Hamburger SV vs SpVgg Greuther Fürth     1-0          
1899 Hoffenheim vs Energie Cottbus        3-0       
FSV Mainz 05 vs 1. FC Köln   0-1

25 September
           
1. FC Saarbrücken vs SC Paderborn         2-1      
Eintracht Frankfurt vs VfL Bochum          2-0     
FSV Frankfurt vs FC Ingolstadt       0-2        
1. FC Kaiserslautern vs Hertha BSC Berlin   3-1            
VfL Osnabrück vs 1. FC Union Berlin    0-1           
Darmstadt 98 vs Schalke 04              1-3 
Bayern München vs Hannover 96    4-1           
SC Freiburg vs VfB Stuttgart      2-1







Friday 20 September 2013

Bundesliga Matchday 6 Roundup: Dortmund ends winning streak

Dortmund ended its winning streak, settling for a draw in Nuernberg.  Bayern took advantage of the situation defeating Schalke 04 with four unanswered goals.  Leverkusen takes up the third spot, trailing the leaders by three points. 

For Schalke the defeat moves the club further away from being a viable contender, trailing fourth placed Hannover by five points.  After six matchdays a pattern is developing, although it is still too early to tell who will emerge from the middle pack  to combat over a spot for European play.  It seems clear that Bayern, Dortmund and Leverkusen will have a say in who will participate in Champions League play next season.

After European play this week, play continues with the DFB  Cup next week.  Dortmund travel to Munich to face 2. Bundesliga club 1860 Muenchen, while Bayern will host Hannover 96. 

Borussia Mönchengladbach vs Eintracht Braunschweig  4-1

Friaday afternoon's matchday opener in Mönchengladbach saw strong combinations and picture book goals.  Despite two early misses by Raffael, Gladbach lead after 45 minutes 2-0. New acquisition Oscar Wendt put Gladbach on the scoreboard in the 22nd minute and Raffael after missing at least two scoring opportunities early in the match upped Gladbach's goal to 2-0 in the 31st minute. 
 Mirko Birland narrowed the score to 2-1 in the 58th minute.  Max Kruse converted a controversial penalty kick in the 72nd minute, and Raffael closed the scoring spree in the 75th mintue for a 4-1 Gladbach victory.  This was Gladbach's third home victory, while Braunschweig is still chasing its first Bundesliga win and trails the league with only one point to its credit.

Hannover 96 vs FC Augsburg  2-1

After a scoreless first half, Augsburg took the lead in the 51st minute with a goal by Verhaeg, Hannover equalized in the 60th minute, when Sobiech found the back of the net.  Augsburg held on and looked to be salvaging a point from this match, but Huszti got the go ahead goal for Hannover in the 89th minute.  Hannover moves into fourth place with the win, while Augsburg slips into  ninth.

VFL Wolfsburg vs 1899 Hoffenheim 2-1

Modeste got the early lead for Hoffenheim in the 15th minute, but Wolfsburg Olic equalized just prior to the half in the 44th minute.  Olic hit the jackpot again shortly after the start of the second half in the 48th minute, which was enough to secure Wolfsburg's win.  Hoffenheim played at par until Olic's equalizer, but the side seemed to have the steam out of it after Olic's second goal.  Wolfsburg fully dominated the second half.  Wolfsburg has moved sixth spot and Hoffenheim into tenth.

1. FC Nuernberg vs Borussia Dortmund  1-1

 After five wins in five starts, Dortmund gave up a point in Nuernberg. The Franken put on a great performance in front of their home crowd.  Schmelzer put Dortmund ahead in the 37th minute, but shortly after the half in the 51st minute, Nilssen got the equalizer for Nuernberg.  The teams were evenly matched until the last 15 minutes, when winning seemed to take on more urgency for Dortmund.  Nuernberg held on to the end, with a lot of help of their keeper Schaefer.  Dortmund remains in first place, tied for points with Munich, but ahead in goals. Nuernberg is in 15th spot, which is not reflective of the teams overall ability.

 Mainz 05 vs Bayer Leverkusen 1-4

 Bayer Leverkusen dominated this match throughout the 90 minutes and could have had a higher result.  Mainz disappointed throughout.  Kruse scored twice in the first half (19th and 45th minute) for a 3-0 halftime lead.  Stefan Kiessling put Leverkusen ahead to 4-0 in the 59th minute.  Mainz's Malli got the consolation goal for in the 82nd minute.  Leverkusen, with 12 points, holds on to third spot, while Mainz after the three wins at the beginning of the season has now dropped three and moves into 7th spot.  


 Hamburger SV vs Werder Bremen 0-2
 In the Northern derby, Bremen is the most effectie team.  Bremen was particularly dangerous in front of the Hamburg goal during the first half, permitting Petersen to get the 1-0 halftime lead in the 32nd minute.  Petersen then scored again in the 90th minute to assure the highly deserved victory.  Bremen moves ahead of Hamburg into 9th place.

FC Schalke 04 vs Bayern Muenchen 0-4 

Schalke had the upper hand for the first 15 minutes, but Bayern took the steam out of the Knappen when Bastian Schweinsteiger put Bayern ahead in the 21st minute.  This was followed by Mandzukic's goal one minute later.  Bayern dominated the remainder of the first half and took a 2-0 lead to the break.  Domination continued in the second half and paid off in the 75th minute with Ribery's goal.  Pizarro upped it to four in the 84th minute.  The win puts Bayern on even keel with Dortmund with 5 wins and a draw each, but Dortmund leads the table, but goal difference is 11 for each, with Dortmund having scored 16 compared to Bayern's 13.

SC Freiburg vs Hertha BSC Berlin 1-1

The crisis for SC Freiburg continues after six matches in the new season.  Freiburg and Braunschweig are the only two clubs that have yet to register a victory.  With three wins and three losses the boys from South Baden have only collected 3 points, leaving them at the bottom of the league just ahead of the newly promoted Eintracht. 

Earlier in the week Freiburg had a disappointing 2-2 result against Slovan Liberec, after an early two goal lead.  This was Freiburg's first appearance in the Europa League in 12 years.  In their match against newly promoted Berlin Admir Mehmedi gave Freiburg the lead in the sixth minute, but the victory once again escaped Freiburg when Per Skjelbred equalized for Berlin in the 87th minute.  The draw places Berlin in the middle of the pack in the league, while Freiburg struggles to pick up its first three points.  
VFB Stuttgart vs Eintracht Frankfurt  1-1

The 120th anniversary of the Schwaben from Stuttgart and the festive mood of the spectators in the Daimler Benz arena did not provide the impetus for Stuttgart to gain a victory over the Hessen.  Both clubs had a difficult start to the season.  While Frankfurt qualified for Europa League play, Stuttgart was unable to qualify for the Group stage.  Frankfurt in an attempt to rid itself of a three game losing streak against Stuttgart, took the lead with Markus Russ's goal in the 14th minute.  In a direct answer to Frankfurt's goal, 17 year old Tobias Werner scored his first Bundesliga goal for the 1-1 tie.  Although Frankfurt had dominated the match to that point, Stuttgart, following the tie was able to keep Frankfurt in its own half for a large part of the remainder of the half.  The draw was justified at the halfway mark.  The second half was relatively even matched with opportunities for both sides.  Stuttgart's Ibisevic, after a controversial award of a penalty kick, missed the best chance to take away three points for the Schwaben, when he fired the ball, unbelievably over the target.  Both teams remain in the bottom half of the league with seven points.

14 of the 18 sides are on the pitch again on Tuesday and Wednesday to compete in the second round of the DFB Pokal.  Both Dortmund and Bayern will be appearing in Munich on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively. 2nd Bundesliga 1860 Muenchen hosts Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday and FC Bayern hosts Hannover 96 on Wednesday, a real thrill for Munich's soccer fans. 

Friday September 20

M'gladbach vs Eintracht Braunschweig  4-1

Saturday September 21
   
Hannover 96 vs FC Augsburg     2-1
VfL Wolfsburg vs 1899 Hoffenheim   2-1
Nürnberg vs Borussia Dortmund   1-1
FSV Mainz 05 vs Bayer Leverkusen     1-4
Hamburger SV vs Werder Bremen     0-2
Schalke 04 vs FC Bayern Muenchen 0-4

Sunday September 22

SC Freiburg vs Hertha BSC Berlin   1-1 
VfB Stuttgart vs Eintracht Frankfurt   1-1  


Place-----Team-----------------------GP---W---D----L---GF/GA ---Pts
1--------Borussia Dortmund-----------6----5----1-----0------16:5-------16
2--------FC Bayern Muenchen--------6----5----1-----0------13-2-------13
3--------Bayer Leverkusen-------------6----5----0-----1------15:7-------12
4--------Hannover 96--------------------6----4----0-----2-----10:8-------12
5--------Borussia M'gladbach----------6----3----0-----3-----15:11------- 9

6-------VFL Wolfsburg-----------------6----3----0-----3-------9:8---------9
7-------Werder Bremen-----------------6----3----0-----3-------5:4---------9
8--------Mainz 05------------------------6----3----0-----3------9:12--- ----9
9--------FCAugsburg--------------------6----3----0-----3------6:9---------9
10------ Hertha BSC Berlin-------------6----2----2-----2----10:7---------7
11------VFB Stuttgart--------------------6----2----1-----3-----11:9---------7
12------1899 Hoffenheim--------------- 6----2----2-----2----15:15--------7
13------Eintracht Frankfurt--------------6----2----1-----3------8:10--------7
14------FC Schalke 04-------------------6----1----1-----4------6:14---------7
15------1. FC Nürnberg------------------6-----0----4-----1-----6:9----------4
16------Hamburg--------------------------6----1----1-----4-----11:16--------4
17------SC Freiburg----------------------6-----0----3-----3------8:12---------3
18------Eintracht Braunschweig--------6-----0----1-----5------3:15---------1

Platform for Iran and Russia - American media

Americans are being bombarded with lectures by foreign leaders, with the American media is providing the platform. The fumbling by the Obama administration lead to Russian President Vladimir Putin weighing in, which essentially bought time for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

To add insult to injury, the former KGB Colonel addressed the American public in an an OpEd, published by the New York Times, where he claimed that he had evidence that the Syrian chemical attack was orchestrated by Syrian rebels and lectured the Obama Administration and its casual approach towards military action. He also attacked American Exceptioalism stating that we were all equal and that the forum to resolve disputes was the United Nations. Read More at PolitiSite

Thursday 19 September 2013

Bundesliga Matchday 6 Preview - Will Dortmund win six in a row?

Borussia Dortmund which is five for five this season will be chasing a new club record of six wins in as many starts.  Bayern Munich is the only other club in the league still undefeated, but have drawn one match, trailing the Borussen by two points.

Six clubs were involved in European group play this week, Borussia Dortmund, FC Bayern, Leverkusen and Schalke in the Champions League and Eintracht Frankfurt and SC Freiburg in the Euro League.  Matchday 1 of the Group stage had two winners and two losers.  Bayern Munich, as expected defeated CKSA Moscow 2-0, but Dortmund lost its encounter with Naples 2-1. Leverkusen was defeated by Manchester United 4-2, while Schalke 04 defeated Steaua 3-0.

In Euro League action Eintracht Frankfurt won its home match against Girandis Bordeaux convincingly 3-0.  SC Freiburg gave up a 2-0 lead over Liberec and walked away with just one point after Liberec equalized.  After matchday 1 the Bundesliga tally is three twins, one draw and two losses.


Bundesliga matchday six kicks off on Friday afternoon with Moenchengladbach hosting Eintracht Braunschweig. Eintracht is still chasing its first win in the Bundesliga, while Gladbach is 2 wins and three losses.  The odds are in favour of Gladbach.

Mönchengladbach’s eleven league goals so far this season have been shared among no fewer than eight players, Branimir Hrgota being the latest to get his name on the list.  Bundesliga.de

Dortmund, with five wins on its scorecard will be traveling to Nuernberg with three draws and on loss and 16th spot.  Dortmund will have to overcome its loss to Naples on Wednesday to defeat the Franken, who  are sure to put up a fight in an attempt to get their first win of the season.  It will be a difficult task for Dortmund, but if the side fires on all cylinders it should come out on top.

 For the first time in their history, Borussia Dortmund have started the Bundesliga season with five straight wins. That puts them in a select group alongside FC Bayern München (who have managed it on seven occasions), VfB Stuttgart, 1. FC Kaiserslautern, 1. FC Köln and 1. FSV Mainz 05.  Bundesliga.de


FC Bayern, after their victory midweek, will be traveling to Schalke.  Schalke is 1-1-3 and seems to have recovered from its early season misfortunes.  The match will be close and a draw is definitely possible for the Knappen.  Leverkusen travels to Mainz.  Both sides are  have earned 9 points and the match is sure to be a delight for the fans, with anything possible.

Hannover hosts Augsburg, again two clubs with 9 points.  Hannover should come out on top, but never underestimate the Bavarian side, which is sure to fight for at least one point.   The remaining two matches on Saturday features Hamburger SV vs Werder Bremen and VFL Wolfsburg vs Hoffenheim.  Hoffenheim has recovered from its season debut against Berlin and has since earned seven points, while Wolfsburg sits at six, with two wins and three losses.  The odds for a victory by both sides are quite good.  The edge goes to Wolfsburg as the home team.  Bremen has six points in five matches compared to Hamburg's four.  Both sides have a good chance to capture three points this weekend.  Can Hamburg overcome the home team advantage of Bremen?

 Hamburger SV have been the team of choice for target practice so far this season. HSV, who parted company with Thorsten Fink on Tuesday, have conceded 15 goals in their first five outings. Bundesliga.de

The matchday ends on Sunday, with Euro League contenders Eintracht Frankfurt and SC Freiburg taking on VFB Stuttgart and Hertha BSC Berlin.  SC Freiburg is still chasing its first victory this season while Berlin won two in their five starts.  Freiburg is not performing to the standard of last season and the question is if the side can put it together in time for the Berlin match.  The Euro League match has shown some serious attention lapses in the defence.  The Breisgau side has to overcome this if they want to defeat a lively Berlin side.  Frankfurts, Thursday performance demonstrated that the side has the ability to win important matches.  Both Frankfurt and Stuttgart have two wins to their credit and the game in the Daimler Benz arena should be a close one. The odds are on Frankfurt.

Two Japanese national team colleagues could line up against each other on Sunday when Gotoku Sakai's (pictured) VfB Stuttgart host Takashi Inui's Eintracht Frankfurt.  Bundesliga

On conclusion of matchday six the trends will have been established to guide the remainder of the season.  While Bayern and Dortmund lead the field by four points, Schalke and Leverkusen cannot be written off.  Good hunting.


Friday September 20

M'gladbach vs Eintracht Braunschweig  4-1

Saturday September 21
   
Hannover 96 vs FC Augsburg     
VfL Wolfsburg vs 1899 Hoffenheim   
Nürnberg vs Borussia Dortmund   
FSV Mainz 05 vs Bayer Leverkusen     
Hamburger SV vs Werder Bremen      Schalke 04 vs FC Bayern Muenchen
Sunday September 22

SC Freiburg vs Hertha BSC Berlin    
VfB Stuttgart vs Eintracht Frankfurt     


Place-----Team-----------------------GP---W---D----L---GF/GA ---Pts
1--------Borussia Dortmund-----------5----5----0-----0------15:4-------15
2--------FC Bayern Muenchen--------5----4----1-----0--------9-2------13
3--------Borussia M'gladbach---------6----3----0-----3------15:11-------9

4--------Bayer Leverkusen-------------5----4----0-----1------11:6--------9
5--------Hannover 96--------------------5----3----0-----2------8:7---------9
6--------Mainz 05------------------------5----3----0-----2------8:8---------9
7--------FCAugsburg--------------------5----3----0-----2------5:7---------9
8------- Hertha BSC Berlin-------------5----2----1-----2------9:6---------7
9-------1899 Hoffenheim----------------5----2----2-----1----14:13--------7
10------FC Schalke 04-------------------5----1----1-----3------6:10--------7
11------VFB Stuttgart--------------------5----2----0-----3-----10:8---------6
12------VFL Wolfsburg------------------5----2----0-----3-------7:7---------6
13------Eintracht Frankfurt--------------5----2----0-----3-------7:9---------6
14------Werder Bremen------------------5----2----0-----3-------3:4---------6
15------Hamburg--------------------------5----1----1-----3-----11:14--------4
16------1. FC Nürnberg------------------5-----0----3-----1------5:8----------3
17------SC Freiburg----------------------5-----0----2-----3------7:11---------2
18------Eintracht Braunschweig--------6-----0----1-----5------3:15---------1

Saturday 14 September 2013

Bundesliga Matchday 5 Roundup - Borussia Dortmund on top with five wins

Borussia Dortmund retained the top of the Bundesliga with five victories in as many starts.  Two goals each by  Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Robert Lewandoswki helped thrash Hamburger SV 6-2 after Dortmund's early lead was erased for a 2-2 draw four minutes into the second half.
Mandzukic and Frank Ribery scored one each against Hannover to keep Bayern in second spot ahead of Bayer Leverkusen, which won its match against visiting Wolfsburg 3-1, with two goals by  Stefan Kiessling and one by Sam.
Mainz 05 dropped its match against Schalke 04, when Kevin Boateng scored in the 34th.  Frankfurt rolled over Bremen 3-0 and Augsburg defeated SC Freiburg 2-1.  In Friday's match VFB Stuttgart narrowly defeated Hertha BSC Berlin 1-0, holding off Hertha with a strong defence.

Hertha BSC Berlin vs VFB Stuttgart  0-1 

Although Hertha created more opportunities, Berlin was failed to convert those to goals, largely due to Stuttgart's Sven Ulreich.  Stuttgart played solid in the defence, led by Ulreich and converted one of two chances by Christian Gentner in the 49th minute.  This was enough to take home three points for the second win this season and a move into the top ten.  Berlin remains in seventh spot.


FC Bayern Muenchen vs Hannover 96  2-0

Pep Guardiola deployed a 4-2-4-2 formation for this match, taking Phillip Lahm out of his familiar right back position and filling in for the recovering Bastian Schweinsteiger.  Thomas Mueller took up the right fullback position.  While dominating the match from the outset, Bayern had difficulty to put the ball into the net.  Hannover put in a great performance in the first half, but was unable to maintain the momentum in the second go around.  Arjen Robben initiated both goals, one in the 51st with a pass to Mandzukic and the second to Franck Ribery in the 61st to give Bayern its fourth victory of the campaign.  Bayern remains undefeated with one draw and in second spot, while Hannover remains in fourth with nine points.  

Bayer Leverkusen vs VFL Wolfsburg 3-1. 
Stefan Kiessling's two goals ( 65th, 90th) and Sam's (24th)  brought home the fourth victory for Leverkusen this season and a tie by points with Bayern Munich.  Wolfsburg started the match with a slight advantage over Leverkusen, but the Leverkusen side fought back and takes the lead with Sam's goal in the 24th.  Olic got the equalizer for Wolfsburg in the 39th for the 1-1 halftime draw.  Stefan Kiessling scored his third and fourth of the campaign to convincingly defeat Wolfsburg 3-1.  Leverkusen remains in the top three with just one loss out of five.  Wolfsburg drops to 11th. 

Werder Bremen vs Eintracht Frankfurt 0-3

This was not Bremen's day.  The Hanseaten should have played on Friday the 13th. Di Santo saw the red card in the first 45, Aaron Hunt missed a penalty kick, while Proedl found the back of his own net in the 77th.  Frankfurt took charge of the match from the outset and Kadiec's goals in the 14th and 34th minute gave the Hessen a 2-0 halftime lead.  Proedl gave Frankfurt the 3-0 win over 90 minutes. This match should set the stage for Frankfurt's Champion's League debut against Bordeaux.

Mainz 05 vs Schalke 04   0-1

For a Bundesliga match, this can be considered as one of the weakest performances by both sides. Kevin Prince Boateng gave Schalke the lead and eventual victory with his goal in the 34th minute. Mainz put in a poor performance before a  home crowd and were unable to get their counter offensive going. Schalke will have to put in a better performance next week in Champions League play, especially the ability to convert good counters into goals

FC Augsburg vs SC Freiburg 2-1

After just missing relegation last season, Augsburg has now won three consecutive games.  Mehmedi scored for Freiburg just one minute into the second, but Altintop (62nd) and Werner (89th) ensured a well deserved 2-1 win over Freiburg.  Werner came in as a substitute in the 74th.  Augsburg with nine points is in sixth spot, while Freiburg with just two is in 17th spot.


Borussia Dortmund vs Hamburger SV  6-2

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang gave Dortmund the go ahead goal in the 19th minute followed by the second by Mikhitaryan in the 22nd for an early 2-0 lead.  Hamburg fought back and equaled the match with goals by Lam(16th) and Westermann in the 49th.  After that it was all Dortmund with Robert Lewandowski scoring two and Aubameyang and Reus netting once.   The 6-2 victory was well deserved and keep Dortmund on top of the league with a two point lead, while Hamburg slips into 15th spot.  This was undoubtedly the top match and by far the best match of this matchday.  Dortmund took control of the match from the start and demonstrated that the side played as a well oiled machine. 

Hoffenheim narrowly defeated Moenchengladbach 2-1 on Sunday.  While Gladbach pushed hard for the equalizer, Hoffenheim's defence stood strong.  Braunschweig picked up its first point of the season against a mediocre Nuernberg side.  While Eintracht was more agressive it was unable to finish the job.  Nuernberg can chalk it up to winning a point away from home, a point that may prove valuable in the future.

Matchday 5 - 13 and 14 September

13 September 2013


Hertha BSC vs VfB Stuttgart  0-2

14 September 2013


Bayern München vs Hannover 96      2-0  
Bayer Leverkusen vs VfL Wolfsburg  3-1  
Werder Bremen vs Eintracht Frankfurt    0-3
FSV Mainz 05 vs Schalke 04        0-1
FC Augsburg vs SC Freiburg       2-1 
Borussia Dortmund vs Hamburger SV  6-2

15 September   

1899 Hoffenheim vs Bor. Mönchengladbach       2-1 
Eintr. Braunschweig vs 1. FC Nürnberg  1-1


Place-----Team-----------------------GP---W---D----L---GF/GA ---Pts
1--------Borussia Dortmund-----------5----5----0-----0------15:4-------15
2--------FC Bayern Muenchen--------5----4----1-----0--------9-2------13
3--------Bayer Leverkusen-------------5----4----0-----1------11:6--------9
4--------Hannover 96--------------------5----3----0-----2------8:7---------9
5--------Mainz 05------------------------5----3----0-----2------8:8---------9
6--------FCAugsburg--------------------5----3----0-----2------5:7---------9
7------- Hertha BSC Berlin-------------5----2----1-----2------9:6---------7
8-------1899 Hoffenheim----------------5----2----2-----1----14:13--------7
9--------FC Schalke 04------------------5----1----1-----3------6:10--------7
10------VFB Stuttgart--------------------5----2----0-----3-----10:8---------6
11------Borussia M'gladbach------------5----2----0-----3-----11:10--------6
12------VFL Wolfsburg------------------5----2----0-----3-------7:7---------6
13------Eintracht Frankfurt--------------5----2----0-----3-------7:9---------6
14------Werder Bremen------------------5----2----0-----3-------3:4---------6
15------Hamburg--------------------------5----1----1-----3-----11:14--------4
16------1. FC Nürnberg------------------5-----0----3-----1------5:8----------3
17------SC Freiburg----------------------5-----0----2-----3------7:11---------2
18------Eintracht Braunschweig--------5-----0----1-----4------2:11---------1

Thursday 12 September 2013

Bundesliga matchday 5 preview - Will Dortmund make it five victories?

 Matchday 5 kicks off on Friday evening, with Borussia Dortmund having won their first four games and Bayern Munich with three wins and a draw.  Can Borrusia Dortmund continue to win when they meet Hamburger SV on Saturday?  Both Dortmund and Bayern play at home, but have formidable opponents that could take one or all three points from the Champions League finalists.

The matchday comes on the heels of international week, where Germany, composed of player from both Dortmund and Bayern, walked away with victories over Austria and Faroe Islands, clearing the path to World Cup 2014 qualification.

Under Juergen Klopp's guidance, Dortmund has kicked off on a path toward the league championship, while FC Bayern, with its new coach Pep Guardiola is adjusting to a new system and although dominating in every match, the club has had difficulty in converting this into goals.  With power houses like Ribery, Mueller, Robben and defenders like David Alaba and Phillip Lahm, the oppostion, for the most part has been concentrating on their defensive game.  Both Dortmund and Bayern are faced with breaking down the opposition's defence.

When Stuttgart meets Hertha BSC Berlin on Friaday evening in the Olympic Stadium, the side will be chasing its second win under its new coach and move up in the standings.  Berlin, a reentry to the Bundesliga this season, has two wins and two losses with 9-5 goals.  A win would keep the side in contact with the league leaders.  Regardless of the outcome, the match should be a delight for the fans.

Stefan Kiessling and Leverkusen host VFL Wolfsburg.  Currently in third spot, Leverkusen has a good chance of being competitive for the championship this year. With three wins and one loss the side trails Munich by one point.  Wolfsburg has accumulated two wins and two losses in their first four matches and Leverkusen is the clear favourite for this match.

Werder Bremen hosts Eintracht Frankfurt.  Last year's Cinderella team Frankfurt has barely kept its head above water with one win and three losses, while Bremen has won two of four.  The home advantage has to go to the Hanseaten.  FSV Mainz host Schalke 04.  Mainz has had an excellent start to the season and like Leverkusen won its first three, before giving up three points on matchay 4. Schalke, considered one of the top contenders, had a disappointing start to the season with one win, a tie and two looses.  Can the Knappen change their fortune in Mainz?  The remaining Saturday match has Freiburg traveling to Augsburg.  Augsburg, with a fiesty attitude, has two wins and two losses in the first four, while Freiburg had a disappointing start with two draws and two losses.  In Augsburg the men from southern Germany will be challenged to go home with a victory.  The edge goes to Augsburg.

Sunday has two matches on tab, with Hoffenheim hosting Borussia Moenchengladbach and Nuernberg traveling to Braunschweig.  Gladbach will be looking for their third victory in Hoffenheim and the men from Sinsheim for their second.  This should be a close match.  Braunschweig, newly promoted is still looking for its first victory when Nuernberg takes to the pitch.  Nuernberg has not had a convincing start to the season and currently sits in 17th spot with just two points.  If Braunschweig will walk away with a victory, this is their chance.  Nuernberg is motivated to leave the bottom of the league.  This match should be interesting.

Predicting outcomes in the Bundesliga is difficult.  There is never a matchday without surprises.  One can guarantee though that based on past history this matchday should see lots of goals.  Who will be on top on Saturday?  Your guess is as  good as mine.  GolTV Canada will be broadcasting some of the matches on Saturday and Sunday.


 Matchday 5 - 13 and 14 September

13 September 2013

Hertha BSC vs VfB Stuttgart  0-1

14 September 2013

Bayern München vs Hannover 96        
Bayer Leverkusen vs VfL Wolfsburg    
Werder Bremen vs Eintracht Frankfurt    
FSV Mainz 05 vs Schalke 04        
FC Augsburg vs SC Freiburg        
Borussia Dortmund vs Hamburger SV  

15 September     
1899 Hoffenheim vs Bor. Mönchengladbach        
Eintr. Braunschweig vs 1. FC Nürnberg


Place-----Team-----------------------GP---W---D----L---GF/GA ---Pts
1--------Borussia Dortmund-----------4----4----0-----0-------9:2-------12
2--------FC Bayern Muenchen--------4----3----1-----0-------7-2-------10
3--------Bayer Leverkusen-------------4----3----0-----1-------8:5--------9
4--------Hannover 96--------------------4----3----0-----1------8:6---------9
5--------Mainz 05------------------------4----3----0-----1------8:7---------9
6------- Hertha BSC Berlin-------------5----2----1-----2------9:6---------7
7--------Borussia M'gladbach-----------4----2----0-----2----10:8---------6
8-------VFB Stuttgart-------------------4----2----0-----3-----10:8---------6
8--------VFL Wolfsburg-----------------4----2----0-----2------6:4---------6
9--------Werder Bremen-----------------4----2----0-----2------3:1---------6
10-------FCAugsburg--------------------4----2----0-----2------3:6---------6
11-------1899 Hoffenheim--------------4----1----2-----1-----12:12--------5
12-------Hamburg------------------------4----1----1-----2-------9:8---------4
13-------FC Schalke 04------------------4----1----1-----2-------6:9---------4
15-------Eintracht Frankfurt-------------4----1----0-----3-------4:9---------3
16-------SC Freiburg---------------------4----0----2-----2-------6:9---------2
17-------1. FC Nürnberg-----------------4----0----2-----1-------4:7---------2
18-------Eintracht Braunschweig-------4----0----0-----4-------1:9---------0

Sunday 1 September 2013

Bundesliga Matchday 4 Roundup - Dortmund is four for four and tops the league

Dortmund moved to occupy the top of the Bundesliga with its 2-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt.  Dortmund is the only team in the league that has won every game in this season.  Bayern trails by two points, while Leverkusen trails by three.  

On completion of Bundesliga matchday three, four clubs had won their first three matches and shared the top with nine points each, with just the goal difference separating them.  This matchday changed that, starting with Bayern Muenchen only achieving a draw in Freiburg.  A late goal by the side from southern Baden robbed Bayern of two points.  On Saturday Leverkusen was defeated in Schalke, giving the Knappen their first success this season.  Mainz 05 lost 4-1 to Hannover 96, ending its winning streak.


During midweek, Schalke also qualified for Champions League Group competition and will join Leverkusen, Dortmund and FC Bayern as the fourth Bundesliga club participating in the group stage.  Frankfurt moves on in the Euro League, while Stuttgart has been eliminated.

In an exciting Friday evening match in Prague, Czech Republic, Bayern won the Champions League Super Cup after a 5-4 penalty shoot out win over Chelsea and Pep Guardiola won his first silverware after the DFB Cup loss to Borussia Dortmund.

SC Freiburg vs FC Bayern Muenchen  1-1

With an eye on the weekend Champions Club game, Pep Guardiola made seven changes to his first string line-up.  Philipp Lahm, Jerome Boateng, David Alaba, Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery and Mario Mandzukic were left on the bench, while Manuel Neuer guarded the net with Daniel van Buyten, Rafhina, Dante and Cotento making up the back four.  The midfield saw Bastian Schweinsteiger, Schaquiri and Thomas Mueller in the holding role, while Toni Kroos and Mario Goetze comprised the attacking midfield. Pizzaro replaced Mandzukic in the striker role.

While Bayern, even with the seven line up changes, was the dominating side over 90 minutes, the sides only goal came in the 33rd minute, when Shaquiri fired a pass from Thomas Mueller into the near corner of the  net.  With just four  minutes left, it looked as if Bayern had secured the three points, just to be foiled by Freiburg's Hoefler, who fired a pass home four meters from the net.  Bayern split points and has dropped the first two points of this campaign.  SC Freiburg is still chasing its first win of the season.

Borussia Moenchengladbach vs Werder Bremen 4-1

Arango (36th) gave Gladbach the lead in the first 45, in a relatively balanced first half.  Bremen's defence was unlocked on Raffael's goal in the 53rd of the second half.  Bremen bounced back on a own goal by Glabach's Nordtveit, but goals by Kruse (75th) and Herrmann (85th) sealed the Gladbach 4-1 victory. 

Hannover 96 vs Mainz 05 4-1

Hannover brought a perfect Mainz start to this campaign to an end, sending Mainz home with a 4-1 loss. While Mainz did its best to make life difficult for Hannover, the side lacked the ability to finish.  All Hannover strikers were succcesful, with Diouf, Sobiech, Didier Ya Konan all finding the back of the net. While Mueller took the lead initially for Mainz, it was Hannover's efficiency and the final goal by Prib that earned the three points.

VFL Wolfsburg vs Hertha BSC Berlin 2-0

After a successful start on its return to the top flight, Berlin was handed its first loss of the season by Wolfsburg.  From the start the match was fascinating and entertaining, with both sides exchanging blows, although the Wolves were the better side.  While Berlin concentrated on defence, the side was instrumental to switch to offence with quick counters Allagui and Ramos.  Despite Berlin's engagement, Iva Olic and Diego scored to give the Wolves a 2-0 halftime lead.  While Berlin pushed back in the second half, Wolfsburg stood solid preventing any Berlin success, bringing home the 2-0 win.

1. FC Nuernberg vs FC Augsburg  0-1

Augsburg has achieved the highest standing  in a year after its win over the Franken in Nuernberg.  Augsburg was the more active team, while Nuernberg was ineffective through most phases of the game. After Nuernberg's Pinola was sent off in the 74th minute, Augsburg's Vogt achieved the winning goal in the 84th minute.  Nuernberg is still chasing the first victory of the season.

Hamburger SV vs Eintracht Braunschweig 4-0

Hamburg handed Bundesliga debutant Eintracht Braunschweig another loss, its fourth of the season and did so convincingly. With goals by Rafael and van der Vaart, Hakan Calhanoglu struck a double to send Berlin packing with a 4-0 loss.  This was Hamburg's first win of the season.

Schalke 04 vs Bayer Leverkusen 2-0

 After Schalke's midweek qualification for the Champions League group stage over PAOK, the Knappen registered their first win over a top rated league club, Bayer Leverkusen.  Hoeger and Farfan scored the winners for the Royal Blues.  Leverkusen's loss is a plus for FC Bayern in light of that side's first draw of the seaon

VFB Stuttgart vs 1899 Hoffenheim 6-2

Stuttgart's new coach made an impressive Bundesliga debut with his side firing on all cylinders and defeating Hoffenheim 6-2.  Ruediger and Ibesevic found the back of the net in the 12th and 19th minute before Hoffenheim's Volland narrowed the score to 2-1 in th 28th minute.  Maxim struck back with a goal in the 28th minute for a 3-1 Stuttgart lead at the half.  Stuttgart's Schuetzenfest continued in the second half with a double pack by Ibisevic (47th and 63rd) and Maxims second of the evening in the 55th.  Firmino got Hoffenheim's second goal in the 87th minute to make the final 6-2 for Stuttgart.  The offensive side of Maxim, Ibisevic and Tino Werner caused all kinds of problems for Hoffenheim's defence.  This was Stuttgart's first victory of the season.

Eintracht Frankfurt vs Borussia Dortmund 0-1

Borussia Dortmund continued its perfect record by recording its fourth win of the season, the only club that has won all four starts this season.  The win puts Dortmund two points ahead of Bayern Munich and two points ahead of Leverkusen.  New acquistion from Shakhtar Donetz, Mkhitaryan scored a double pack (10th and 56th minute) while Kadlec recorded a goal for Frankfurt in the 36th minute.  Dortmund dominated the match throughout, although Frankfurt had ample opportunities to score. 



Tuesday 27 August

SC Freiburg vs Bayern München 1-1

Saturday 31 August

Bor. Mönchengladbach vs Werder Bremen 4-1
Hannover 96 vs FSV Mainz 05   4-1
VfL Wolfsburg vs Hertha BSC   2-0
1. FC Nürnberg vs FC Augsburg   0-1
Hamburger SV vs Eintracht Braunschweig  4-0
Schalke 04 vs Bayer Leverkusen  2-0

Sunday 1 September

VfB Stuttgart vs 1899 Hoffenheim  6-2
Eintracht Frankfurt vs Borussia Dortmund 2-1

    
Place-----Team-----------------------GP---W---D----L---GF/GA ---Pts
1--------Borussia Dortmund-----------4----4----0-----0-------9:2-------12
2--------FC Bayern Muenchen--------4----3----1-----0-------7-2-------10
3--------Bayer Leverkusen-------------4----3----0-----1-------8:5--------9
4--------Hannover 96--------------------4----3----0-----1------8:6---------9
5--------Mainz 05------------------------4----3----0-----1------8:7---------9
6------- Hertha BSC Berlin-------------4----2----1-----1------9:5---------7
7--------Borussia M'gladbach-----------4----2----0-----2------9:8--------6
8--------VFL Wolfsburg-----------------4----2----0-----2------6:4---------6
9--------Werder Bremen-----------------4----2----0-----2------3:1---------6
10-------FCAugsburg--------------------4----2----0-----2------3:6---------6
11-------1899 Hoffenheim--------------4----1----2-----1-----12:12--------5
12-------Hamburg------------------------4----1----1-----2-------9:8---------4
13-------FC Schalke 04------------------4----1----1-----2-------6:9---------4
14-------VFB Stuttgart-------------------4----1----0-----3-------9:8---------3
15-------Eintracht Frankfurt-------------4----1----0-----3------4:12--------9
16-------SC Freiburg---------------------4----0----2-----2-------6:9---------2
17-------1. FC Nürnberg-----------------4----0----2-----1-------4:7---------2
18-------Eintracht Braunschweig-------4----0----0-----4-------1:9---------0