Saturday 29 March 2014

Bundesliga Matchday 28: Hoffenheim ends Bayern 19 game winning streak.

Bayern out to set more Bundesliga records was stopped from adding the 20th consecutive win this season.  Bayern, which rested Neuer, Mueller, Robben and others, in anticipation of its match next weekend against Manchester United at Old Trafford, went down 1-0 after 23 minutes when Modeste defeated Starke.  Bayern answered with three goals, Pizzaro (31, 40th) and Shaqiri in the 34th minute, before Hoffenheim closed the gap with Salihovic's goal in the 44th.  Hoffeheim scored again in the 75th with Firmino's shot, to take away one point from the Allianz Arena.  Bayern extended its undefeated streak to 52, and can still finish the season undefeated, while scoring a record amount of goals.

Shalke 04 defeated Berlin 2-0 with goals by Obasi (16th) and Huntelaar in the 46th.  Schalke moved within one point of second placed Dortmund and remains six points ahead of Leverkusen.  Berlin is currently in sixth spot.   Fourth placed Leverkusen and Bundesliga tail light Eintracht Braunschweig battled to a 1-1 draw, with Reichel putting the Berliners on the scoreboard in the 47th,  but Stefan Kiessling got the equalizer in the 53rd on a penalty shot.

VFL Wolfsburg upped Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1 with Aigner getting the first counter  for the Eagles in the 11th minute.  Wolfsburg upped the ante in the second half with goals by Olic in the 69th and Naldo in the 89th for a 2-1 home win.  Wolfsburg remains a contender for a Champions League spot, trailing Leverkusen by just one point.  Frankfurt remains in 11ths spot with 32 points.

Borussia Dortmund walked away with three points at the Mercedes Benz Arena in Stuttgart. Stuttgart took an early 2-0 lead with goals by Gentner (9th) and Harnik in the 19th minute.  Marco Reus narrow the gap in the 30th minute, which left Stuttgart with  a 2-1 halftime lead.  In the second frame, Reus scored on a penalty in the 68th, before getting the winner in the 83rd.  Dortmund retains second spot by one point, while Stuttgart remains in 17th spot and in danger of relegation. FSV Mainz overwhelmed FC Augsburg 3-0, with  Bungerts goal in the 23rd minute and an own goal by Augsburg's Hitz in the 38th.  Geis had the final strike in the 83rd.  Mainz is currently in sixth spot and has a real shot at the Euro League and a chance for Champions League competition.  Augsburg is in eighth place.

Saturday's  late game saw Freiburg and Nuernber, both in a relegation fight in a tit for tat blow of attacking thrilling football.  Pogatetz put Nuernberg in the lead in the sixth minute, and Krmas got the draw for Freiburg in the 23rd.  Drmic's penalty shot in the 45th gave Nuernberg the 2-1 lead at the half.  Mehmedi's penalty equalized the match in the 53rd minute, while Klaus got the winner for Freiburg in the 65th minute.  While the win made a gap for Freiburg from the relegation zone, the club is only separated by five points.  Nuernberg is two points ahead of the play off releagation spot.

Gladbach moved into sixth spot after defeating Hamburg 3-1.  Hamburg took the lead with Zoua's goal in the 28th minute, and Daem got the equalizer in the 36th for a 1-1 after the first frame.  Raffael moved Gladbach ahead in the 75th minute and  Dominguez made it 3-1 in the 78th.  Hamburg continues its struggle against relegation in 24th spot, equal with troubled Stuttgart.

Hannover 96 and Werder Bremen went head to head, equal in points, prior to this important match.  While the game lacked  in skill, it wasn't short on enthusiasm. Both teams were aware what the stakes were.  A win would create some breathing space from the relegation zone.  Werder Bremen had the majority of possession during the first half, but it was Hannover's Huszti who scored in the 43rd minute for the lead.  Franco DiSanto got the equalizer for Bremen in the 57th minute.  The teams went tit for tat, with equal possession and goal opportunities for most of the second half.  In the end it was Proedl's last minute goal that earned the three points of Bremen, giving the side an eight point gap from the relegation zone.  Hannover must continue to sweat with just a five point gap. 

Friday 28 March
Schalke 04 vs Hertha BSC   2-0

Saturday 29 March
   
Bayer Leverkusen vs Eintr. Braunschweig       1-1
VfL Wolfsburg vs Eintracht Frankfurt       2-1
VfB Stuttgart vs Borussia Dortmund       2-3
Bayern München vs 1899 Hoffenheim    3-3   
FSV Mainz 05 vs FC Augsburg       3-0
SC Freiburg vs 1. FC Nürnberg  3-2

Sunday 30 March
   
Bor. Mönchengladbach vs Hamburger SV       3-1
Hannover 96 vs Werder Bremen   1-2

Posn  Team             GP   W   D   L    GF/GA   Points

1      FC Bayern        28    25  3    0        82:16       78
2      Dortmund         28    17   4    7       62:31       55
3      Schalke             28    16   6    6       53:37       54
4      Leverkusen       28    15   3  10       47:34       48
5      Wolfsburg         28    14   5    9       48:42      47
6      M'gladbach       28    13   6    9       49:34       45 
7      Mainz               28    13   5   10       41:43       44 
8      Augsburg          28    11   6   11       40:43      39
9      Hoffenheim       28     9   9    10      63:62      36
10    Hertha BSC      28    10   6    12      36:39      36
11    Frankfurt           28     8   8    12      35:48       32
14    Bremen              28     8   8  12       33:54       32
12    Hannover           28     8   5  15       36:51       29
13    Freiburg            28      7   8  13       33:50       29
15    Nürnberg           28      5 11  12       34:52       26
17    Stuttgart            28      6   6  16       42:57       24
16    Hamburg           28      6   6  16       43:59       24
18    B'schweig         28      5    7  16      25:50       22

Friday 28 March 2014

Bundesliga Matchday 28: Bayern goes for my records, Stuttgart faces adversity


The Bundesliga Magazine is the DFL's weekly TV programme, offering a global audience a unique perspective on Germany's top flight throughout the season. We have in-depth previews of the upcoming league action, exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes reports, the best goals from the latest league encounters and much more besides.Read more at: http://www.sport.net/goal-the-bundesliga-magazine-matchday-28-preview_157913
The Bundesliga Magazine is the DFL's weekly TV programme, offering a global audience a unique perspective on Germany's top flight throughout the season. We have in-depth previews of the upcoming league action, exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes reports, the best goals from the latest league encounters and much more besides.Read more at: http://www.sport.net/goal-the-bundesliga-magazine-matchday-28-preview_157913
The Bundesliga Magazine is the DFL's weekly TV programme, offering a global audience a unique perspective on Germany's top flight throughout the season. We have in-depth previews of the upcoming league action, exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes reports, the best goals from the latest league encounters and much more besides.Read more at: http://www.sport.net/goal-the-bundesliga-magazine-matchday-28-preview_157913
Although Bayern may have won the Bundesliga title last Tuesday, there are still lots of records to break or increase for the record champion.  They can continue their undefeated streak, achieve more than 101 goals or go undefeated for the complete season.  Every game brings a new record.

Hoffenheim will be the next side with an attempt to trip up the Bayern side, which has collected 39 points thus far from their home matches, scoring an impressive 39 goals.

Schalke, with just one point behind second placed Dortmund will open the matchday on Friday evening,  hoping to pick up three points and continue the close race for second spot. Newcomer Berlin has recently slipped to ninth spot and a win would keep the side in competition for a Euro League spot.

Dortmund travels to Stuttgart.   The Schwaben are currently in 17th spot and Dortmund is another obstacle for the side's relegation battle.  Dortmund requires a win to hold on to spot two. 

Leverkusen host Bundesliga tail light Eintracht Braunschweig.  After a succesfful start into the season, the factory team has been in a slump since the winter break, holding on to fourth spot with just three points ahead of Wolfsburg, and four points behind Gladbach. Continuing on its path, the side is in danger of losing a champions league spot.  Braunschweig is five points short of leaving relegation and must win if any hope to remain in the league is to be realized.  Wolfsburg meets a much improved Frankfurt side.  A win could move the side even with Leverkusen. Frankfurt is in a position to avoid relegation and a win could further guarantee a start in the top flight.

Mainz vs Augsburg should be one of the better matches this weekend.  Both sides play spirited soccer with lots of forward movement.  A draw is probably the best result, but either side can win.  Both sides have a shot at a Euro League spot.

Freiburg and Nuernberg are both threatened with relegation.  Freiburg has the home adavantage in a match that is a  must win for both sides.  Sunday Gladbach hosts Hamburg and on paper this should be an easy task for Gladbach.  Hamburg is fighting for  lifeline.  A loss would send HSV further into the abyss of relegation.  Gladbach has a shot at the Euro League. The final match on Sunday sees Hannover at Bremen.




Friday 28 March
Schalke 04 vs Hertha BSC   

Saturday 29 March
   
Bayer Leverkusen vs Eintr. Braunschweig       
VfL Wolfsburg vs Eintracht Frankfurt       
VfB Stuttgart vs Borussia Dortmund       
Bayern München vs 1899 Hoffenheim       
FSV Mainz 05 vs FC Augsburg       
SC Freiburg vs 1. FC Nürnberg

Sunday 30 March
   
Bor. Mönchengladbach vs Hamburger SV       
Hannover 96 vs Werder Bremen   

Posn  Team             GP   W   D   L    GF/GA   Points

1      FC Bayern         27    25   2    0      79:12       77
2      Dortmund         27    16   4    7       59:29       52
3      Schalke             27    15   6    6       51:37       51
4      Leverkusen       27    15   2  10       46:33       47
5      Wolfsburg         27    13   5    9       46:41       44
6      M'gladbach       27    12   6    9       51:32       42 
7      Mainz               27    12   5   10       38:43       41 
8      Augsburg          27    11   6   10       40:40      39
9      Hertha BSC      27    10   6    11      36:37      36
10    Hoffenheim       27     9   8    10      60:59      35
11    Frankfurt           27     8   8    11      34:36       32
12    Hannover           27     8   5  14       35:49       29
13    Bremen              27     7   8  12       31:53       29
14    Nürnberg           27      5 11  11       32:49       26
15    Freiburg            27      6   8  13       30:48       26
16    Hamburg           27      6   6  15       42:56       24
17    Stuttgart            27      6   6  15       39:54       24
18    B'schweig         27      5    6  16      24:49       21

Wednesday 26 March 2014

Bundesliga Matchday 27: Bayern captures title with seven matchdays remaining

Toni Kroos deflected a botched clearance into the net to give Bayern an early lead in the 6th minute.  Mario Goetze's 16th minute header on Bastian Schweinsteiger's pass, gave the record champion a 2-0 half time lead.  Berlin's Ramos pulled one back on a penalty kick in the 66th minute, before  Frank Ribery ensured the 3-1 win. With a 25 point lead on top of the table, FC Bayern won their 24th Bundesliga title in record time, with seven matchdays remaining.

The local derby of second placed Dortmund and third placed Schalke 04 resulted in a scoreless draw, leaving the two sides one point apart at 52 and 51 points respectively and seven points ahead of Leverkusen.  League taillight Eintracht Braunschweig defeated Mainz 05, which is in a position to capture a Euro League spot, 3-1.

Werder Bremen dropped three points at home to VFL Wolfsburg, moving the wolves into fifth spot, equal in points with Leverkusen at 44.  Tuesday's results left the relegation race tight, with Freiburg, Stuttgart, Hamburg, Nuernberg and Braunschweig in a fight to avoid relegation as the season draws to a conclusion.  Freiburg,  Stuttgart, Hamburg and Nuernberg play on Wednesday.

While the 2013/2014 championship has been decided, the fight for relegation, Champions League and Euro League continue.  Bayern, Dortmund and Schalke with a seven point lead over the remainder of the field should be qualified, but the fourth spot is yet to be decided.  Leverkusen, Wolfsburg, Moenchengladbach and Mainz are in contention, while Augsburg, Berlin and Hoffenheim still  have a shot at Euro League qualification.

Wednesday's result, which saw five relegation endangered sides in action,  tightened the battle, with only five points separating Braunschweig (18th) and Nuernberg (14th).  While Frankfurt with it's win over Gladbach, the Eagles (11th) gained some space, but are not out of the water yet.  Leverkusen walked away with three points in Augsburg and retain fourth spot with four points ahead of Wolfsburg.   Gladbach's loss in Frankfurt leaves the side just one point ahead of Mainz, which lost its match yesterday in Braunschweig. 

Bundesliga action continues on Friday evening.
.


Tuesday 25 March

Hertha BSC vs Bayern München       1-3
Eintr. Braunschweig vs FSV Mainz 05  3-1    
Borussia Dortmund vs Schalke 04       0-0
Werder Bremen vs VfL Wolfsburg   1-3

Wednesday 26 March

   
Hamburger SV vs SC Freiburg    1-1   
Eintracht Frankfurt vs Bor. Mönchengladbach    1-0   
FC Augsburg vs Bayer Leverkusen       1-3
1. FC Nürnberg vs VfB Stuttgart       2-0
1899 Hoffenheim vs Hannover 96   3-1

Posn  Team             GP   W   D   L    GF/GA   Points

1      FC Bayern         27    25   2    0      79:12       77
2      Dortmund         27    16   4    7       59:29       52
3      Schalke             27    15   6    6       51:37       51
4      Leverkusen       27    15   2  10       46:33       47
5      Wolfsburg         27    13   5    9       46:41       44
6      M'gladbach       27    12   6    9       51:32       42 
7      Mainz               27    12   5   10       38:43       41 
8      Augsburg          27    11   6   10       40:40      39
9      Hertha BSC      27    10   6    11      36:37      36
10    Hoffenheim       27     9   8    10      60:59      35
11    Frankfurt           27     8   8    11      34:36       32
12    Hannover           27     8   5  14       35:49       29
13    Bremen              27     7   8  12       31:53       29
14    Nürnberg           27      5 11  11       32:49       26
15    Freiburg            27      6   8  13       30:48       26
16    Hamburg           27      6   6  15       42:56       24
17    Stuttgart            27      6   6  15       39:54       24
18    B'schweig         27      5    6  16      24:49       21

Tuesday 25 March 2014

Bundesliga Matchday 27: A Bayern win today wraps up Bundesliga Championship

When Bayern meets Hertha BSC Berlin in the capital today, the club can capture the league championship with a win.  It would also be the 52nd undefeated match.

On Tuesday three more matches take place, when league taillight hosts Mainz 05, which is currently in sixth spot, with a real shot to overtake Leverkusen in fourth spot.   Mainz has recently fired on all four cylinders again and should come out on top.  Dortmund is in a face off against Schalke 04.  The two sides, in second and third place respectively are only separated by one point.  Schalke have been rivals in a local derby for some time.  This has to be the top match for today.  Finally Werder Bremen hosts the factory side from Wolfsburg.  Bremen currently in 11th spot will have their hands full, Wolfsburg is in seventh spot equal with Mainz 05 in points.

On Wednesday beleaguered Hamburg battles Freiburg, a side that last weekend made it out of the relegation zone.  Hamburg, is fighting for its survival in the Bundesliga, while Armin Veh's Freiburg side want to reinforce the success of last weekend.  Eintracht Frankfurt, which has created some distance away from the relegation zone, will be hosting Gladbach, a side within reach of a Champions League spot.  A Gladbach win, combined with a loss by Leverkusen, will propel the side into that coveted fourth spot.  Leverkusen will play at Augsburg, with a good chance of dropping another three points.  Augsburg is aiming for the top six and a Euro League spot.  Leverkusen has had trouble since the winter break, another loss would be devastating.   Nuernberg,  currently second last in the league will host VFB Stuttgart.   Only one point separates the side. Nuernberg should capture at lest one, if not all three points.  Hoffenheim and Hannover meet in the final match on Sunday.  Both teams have been inconsistent.  It is for both sides to win.


Tuesday 25 March

Hertha BSC vs Bayern München       1-3
Eintr. Braunschweig vs FSV Mainz 05  3-1    
Borussia Dortmund vs Schalke 04       0-0
Werder Bremen vs VfL Wolfsburg   1-3

Wednesday 26 March

   
Hamburger SV vs SC Freiburg       
Eintracht Frankfurt vs Bor. Mönchengladbach       
FC Augsburg vs Bayer Leverkusen       
1. FC Nürnberg vs VfB Stuttgart       
1899 Hoffenheim vs Hannover 96   

Posn  Team             GP   W   D   L    GF/GA   Points

1      FC Bayern         27    25   2    0      79:12       77
2      Dortmund         27    16   4    7       59:29       52
3      Schalke             27    15   6    6       51:37       51
4      Leverkusen       26    14   2  10       43:32       44
5      Wolfsburg         27    13   5    9       46:41       44
5      M'gladbach       26    12   6    8       51:31       42 
6      Mainz               27    12   5   10       38:43       41 
8      Augsburg          26    11   6    9        39:37      39
9      Hertha BSC      27    10   6    11      36:37      36
10    Hoffenheim       26     8   8    10      57:58      32
11    Bremen              27     7   8  12       31:53       29
12    Hannover           26     8   5  13       34:46       29
13    Frankfurt           26      6  8   11       33:46       29
14    Freiburg            26      6   7  13       29:47       25
15    Stuttgart            26      6   6  14       39:52       24
16    Hamburg           26      6   5  15       41:55       23
17    Nürnberg           26      4 11  11       30:49       23
18    B'schweig         27      5    6  16      24:49       21

Saturday 22 March 2014

Bundesliga Matchday 26 Roundup: Bayern ups undefeated streak to 51



FC Bayern continued its undefeated streak to 51, .after defeating Mainz 05 with two late goals Bastian Schweinsteiger 82nd and Mario Goetze 86th minute).   Despite a very intense match, which gave the Mainzers their own share of opportunities to score, Bayern got the upper hand.  Dortmund defeated Hannover 3-0 and Schalke overwhelmed Eintracht Braunschweig 3-1, postponing Bayern's league championship at least until next Tuesday.  Bayern can do it on their own by defeating Hertha BSC Berlin.

The win also gives Bayern the 18th consecutive victory, a new Bundesliga record.

Freiburg defeated Werder Bremen 3-1 in the Friday evening Bundesliga opener, finally lifting the club out of the relegation zone to 14th spot.  The side is not out of the water yet. Freiburg took the lead 15 minutes  into the match with a powerful blast from Julian Schuster on a pass fro Karim Guede.  Bremen put the pressure on Freiburg for a good portion on the game, but it was Freiburg that was ahead by three goals midway through the second half.  Bremen got one back on a goal from Nils Peterson. 

Dortmund shut out Hannover 3-0, while Schalke 04 came out on top of Eintracht Braunschweig 3-1.  Both Dortmund and Schalke secured their second and third spot.  Wolfsburg and Augsburg played to a 1-1 draw, leaving Wolfsburg and Mainz even at 41 points.  Stuttgart defeated  troubled Hamburg 1-0, with 24 and 23 points respectively.

Gladbach with a 3-0 victory over Hertha BSC Berlin moved back into a Euro League spot and just and still has a chance to qualify for the Champions League next season.  Berlin remains in ninth spot well away from any possibility of relegation.

Eintracht Frankfurt won an important away game at Nuernberg.  Barnetta put Eintracht ahead in the first half in the 21st minute and Juselu made it two in the 49th. A 3-0 lead came in the 53rd with Madlung's goal, before Nuernberg got two back 64th an 72nd minute (Drmi and Campana).  Just as it looked that Nuernberg had enough time for an equalizer, Frankfurt put the game out of reach with Joselu's second goal of the night in the 88th and Kadlec's counter in the 90th.  The win moved Frankfurt six points ahead of the relegation zone, while Nuernberg remains in 17th with continuing anxiety of eventual relegation.

Hoffenheim edged out a 3-2 away victory against Bayer Leverkusen.  Hoffenheim took the lead with a goal by Sehad Salihovic in the 14th minute. Stefan Kiessling got the equalizer prior to the half in the 38th minute, but Hoffenheim's Volland scored the 40th minute for a 2-1 Hoffenheim lead.  Simon Rolfes got the equalizer nine minutes into the second half, but Anthony Modeste got the winner in the 89th.  Hoffenheim fought through three minutes of injury time to take away the three points.  Leverkusen remains in 4th spot, two points ahead of Gladbach, but six point behind third place Schalke.  Hoffenheim is in tenth spot.   


Friday 21 March

SC Freiburg vs Werder Bremen 3-1 

Saturday 22 March

    
Hannover 96 vs Borussia Dortmund        0-3
FSV Mainz 05 vs Bayern München        0-2
VfL Wolfsburg vs FC Augsburg        1-1
VfB Stuttgart vs Hamburger SV        1-0
Schalke 04 vs Eintr. Braunschweig       3-1 
Bor. Mönchengladbach vs Hertha BSC  3-0

Sunday 23 March
    
1. FC Nürnberg vs Eintracht Frankfurt    2-5    
Bayer Leverkusen vs 1899 Hoffenheim    2-3

 
Posn  Team             GP   W   D   L    GF/GA   Points

1      FC Bayern         26    24   2    0      76:12       74
2      Dortmund         26    16   3    7       59:29       51
3      Schalke             26    15   5    6       51:37       50
4      Leverkusen       26    14   2  10       43:32       44
5      M'gladbach       26    12   6    8       51:31       42 
6      Mainz               26    12   5    9       37:40        41 
7      Wolfsburg         26    12   5    9       43:40       41
8      Augsburg          26    11   6    9        39:37      39
9      Hertha BSC      26    10   6    10      35:34      36
10    Hoffenheim       26     8   8    10      57:58      32
11    Bremen              26     7   8  11       30:50       29
12    Hannover           26     8   5  13       34:46       29
13    Frankfurt           26      6  8   11       33:46       29
14    Freiburg            26      6   7  13       29:47       25
15    Stuttgart            26      6   6  14       39:52       24
16    Hamburg           26      6   5  15       41:55       23
17    Nürnberg           26      4 11  11       30:49       23
18    B'schweig         26      4    6  16      21:48       18

Friday 21 March 2014

Bundesliga Matchday 26 Preview - Bayern can capture title this weekend

With a win against Mainz 05, provided that Borussia Dortmund and Schalke 04 drop points, Bayern Muenchen can make Bundesliga history this weekend.  Last season the record champion won the title with eight games remaining, but it could be as few as eight this season.

Bayern also enjoys an undefeated streak, which will be extended to 51 with a win over Mainz 05, while the side remains undefeated this season.  Mainz 05 moved into fifth spot last week just three points behind Leverkusen.  The odds are in favour of Bayern, which has won the last three games against Mainz, scoring three goals in each game.  This year's Mainz side can do better. 

Borussia Dortmund faces Hannover at home, a side currently in 12th spot, while Leverkusen hosts Hoffenheim on Sunday.  Both Dortmund and Leverkusen should be able to pick up at least one point.

On Friday, SC Freiburg hosts Werder Bremen.  Freiburg is currently in the relegation playoff spot and is fighting for its survival in the Bundesliga.  The side has dropped a long way from its Euro League qualification last year.  Schalke 04 hosts tailight Eintracht Braunschweig.  Schalke is the clear favourite.

Seventh place Gladbach hosts Berlin, which currently holds ninth spot.   This will be a fight for Euro League spot for both teams.   Leverkusen hosts Hoffenheim in the late Sunday match.  Can Leverkusen return to its old form and send the Sinsheimers packing? 

The league is involved in a very intense relegation battle and some of those spots will not be decided until the end.  Unless Braunschweig starts a winning spree, the side will most likely play in the second tier next season.

Friday 21 March

SC Freiburg vs Werder Bremen 3-1 

Saturday 22 March

    
Hannover 96 vs Borussia Dortmund        
FSV Mainz 05 vs Bayern München        
VfL Wolfsburg vs FC Augsburg        
VfB Stuttgart vs Hamburger SV        
Schalke 04 vs Eintr. Braunschweig        
Bor. Mönchengladbach vs Hertha BSC  

Sunday 23 March
    
1. FC Nürnberg vs Eintracht Frankfurt        
Bayer Leverkusen vs 1899 Hoffenheim   

 
Posn  Team             GP   W   D   L    GF/GA   Points

1      FC Bayern         25    23   2    0      74:12       71
2      Dortmund         25    15   3    7       56:29       48
3      Schalke             25    14   5    6       48:36       47
4      Leverkusen       25    14   2    9       41:29       44
5      Mainz               25   12   5    8        37:38       41 
6      Wolfsburg         25    12   4    9       42:39       40
7      M'gladbach       25    11   6    8       43:31       39
8      Augsburg          25   11   5    9        38:36       38
9      Hertha BSC      25    10   6    9       35:31       36
10    Hoffenheim       25     7   8   10      54:56       29
11    Bremen              26     7   8  11       30:50       29
12    Hannover           25     8   5  12       34:43       29
13    Frankfurt           25      5  8   11       28:44       26
14    Freiburg            26      6   7  13       29:47       25
15    Hamburg           25      6   5  14       41:54       23
16    Nürnberg           25      4 11  10       28:44       23
17    Stuttgart            25      5   6  14       38:52       21
18    B'schweig         25      4    6  15      20:45       18

Thursday 20 March 2014

Absence of Social Contract -NDP challenges conservative government

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 20, 2014

NDP CHALLENGES THE ABSENCE OF SOCIAL CONTRACT BETWEEN VETERANS AND CONSERVATIVE GOVERNMENT

DARTMOUTH – The Conservatives are wrong to say that the federal government has no social contract or social covenant with veterans and members of the Canadian Armed Forces, according to NDP Veterans Affairs critic Peter Stoffer (Sackville – Eastern Shore).

“The federal government has a moral, social, legal, and fiduciary responsibility for the Canadian men and women who are asked to serve in harm’s way,” said Stoffer.  “It’s ridiculous that this Conservative government is denying that a social contract exists between veterans and members of the Canadian Forces and the federal government.” 

The Conservatives’ position was unearthed in recently released legal statements for a veterans’ class action lawsuit, involving Equitas Society, which is seeking fair compensation for injured veterans under the New Veterans Charter (NVC).

Stoffer noted that many pieces of veterans’ legislation include a reference to the government’s social contract with veterans, and that the NDP will be pushing to include this reference during the parliamentary review of the NVC.

“This is a century old policy, in which the federal government promises to take care of our wounded veterans and this government is the first one to break that oath. We urge the Conservative government to drop their appeal of the class action lawsuit,” said Sylvain Chicoine (Châteauguay—Saint-Constant).

Monday 17 March 2014

EU and Merkel pivotal in resolving Ukraine crisis

As Western allies scramble for a proper response to Putin’s plans for annexation of the Crimea, the
Russian president seems to have his eyes fixed for further expansion into the sovereign territory of the Ukraine.
Unconfirmed sources in the eastern Ukraine report that residents of Donetsk, Kherson & Odessa are packing and leaving for the West. the report that the situation in the eastern Ukraine are worse than reported in the western media. Russian hooligans have been inserted in those cities and taking control. The Ukraine has called up 20,000 reserves, with Russia’s military poised to launch at the East Ukraine border.
U.S. President Barrack Obama talked to Putin on the phone on Sunday, again emphasizing that the U.S. will never recognize the annexation of the Crimea. Secretary of State John Kerry again spoke with Russia’s Foreign Minister Lavrov. While the U.S., EU and the majority of the UN Security Council, including China declared the referendum illegal, Putin is unmoved.  Read More:  Politisite

NowPublic Closure – Why were Intellectual Property Rights ignored?

NowPublic was a crowd-sourced citizen journalism site based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, founded by Michael Tippett, Leonard Brody and Michael E. Meyers in 2005.

In addition to its contributors, NowPublic also had a content-sharing agreement with the Associated Press. The crowd-sourced site was so successful that Time Magazine called NowPublic one of the 50 Best Websites of 2007

 

Mainstream media types may gripe about the absence of safeguards ensuring the validity of news reported by the blogosphere, but nowhere are the merits of citizen journalism more apparent than at NowPublic. At this “participatory news network,” a.k.a. bastion of “crowd-powered media,” anyone can write a story, or upload images, audio or video. Whatever gets the most votes from the reading masses—the site gets about 1 million unique visitors per month—ends up as the lead story. (NowPublic has “guest editors,” “wranglers” and an “actual news guy” who keep an eye on things, giving advice to contributing reporters and shepherding the best, most timely stuff through, but nobody on staff makes actual editing changes to the content.)  Read More:  Politisite

Saturday 15 March 2014

Bundesliga Matchday 25 Rundup: Schalke wins, Dortmund and Leverkusen lose

 The records continue to fall for last years, treble winner and Bayern has remained undefeated in 50 league games. While Bayern won, both Dortmund and Leverkusen lost their matches.  FC Schalke 04 moved into third spot one point behind Dortmund, while Leverkusen trails in fourth place three points behind Schalke.. 

A Mario Mandzukic moved Bayern into the lead just before the halftime whistle.  Bastian Schweinsteiger made it 2-0 in the second half before Leverkusen's Stefan Kiessling narrowed the gap at the 90 minute Mark.

Dortmund gave away three points at home to Moenchengladbach with a 1-2 loss.   Hoffenheim gave up a 2-0 lead when Mainz scored four unanswered goals to win the match 4-2.  Goals from Eugen Polanski and Roberto Firmino didn't assure a victory for Hoffenheim when Maxim Choupo-Moting, Benjamin Saller and Shinji Okazaki secured the victory for Mainz. The win moved Mainz into fifth spot  only three points behind Leverkusen.

On Friday Schalke 04 walked away with three important points that moved the Royal Blues into third spot in league. Failing a disaster in Munich when Bayern and Leverkusen meet Schalke should retain that spot.   Despite a terrible performance by Schalke's defence in the first half and Augsburg's constant pressure, Schalke came out on top with a 2-1 victory.   Although Augsburg took the lead early on, with its methodical approach and could have had a few more goals, the side seemed demoralized after Klass van Huntelaar got the equalizer in the 32nd minute. In the second half it was all Schalke and Huntelaar scored the go ahead goal four minutes into the second half.  Despite Augsburg's pressure near the end the side could never get the equalizer.  The loss could ruin Augsburg chances for a Euro League spot.

Stuttgart continued its 10 game winless streak with a 1-1 draw in Bremen. The Schwaben missed a penalty kick for the second time in as many games.  Berlin dropped three points at home, losing 0-3 against Hannover. Hertha remains in ninth spot with a significant cushion of seven points over 10th placed Hoffenheim.

Eintracht Braunschweig edged a draw against sixth placed VFL Wolfsburg.  The relegation battle may last until the last matchday again.  In Sunday's matches, Hamburg defeated Nuernberg 2-1. Eintracht Frankfurt gave up three home pitch points against SC Freiburg. Freiburg's 4-1 victory moved the club to the relegation play off spot.     The Bundesliga is never boring, nine goals produced 28 goals. 

Friday 14 March

FC Augsburg vs Schalke 04  0-1

Saturday 15 March

Borussia Dortmund vs Bor. Mönchengladbach       1-2
Werder Bremen vs VfB Stuttgart       1-1
Hertha BSC vs Hannover 96       0-3
Eintr. Braunschweig vs VfL Wolfsburg      1-1 
1899 Hoffenheim vs FSV Mainz 05       2-4
Bayern München vs Bayer Leverkusen  2-1

Sunday 16 March
       
Hamburger SV vs 1. FC Nürnberg       2-1
Eintracht Frankfurt vs SC Freiburg      1-4

Posn  Team             GP   W   D   L    GF/GA   Points

1      FC Bayern         25    23   2    0      74:12       71
2      Dortmund         25    15   3    7       56:29       48
3      Schalke             25    14   5    6       48:36       47
4      Leverkusen       25    14   2    9       41:29       44
5      Mainz               25   12   5    8        37:38       41 
6      Wolfsburg         25    12   4    9       42:39       40
7      M'gladbach       25    11   6    8       43:31       39
8      Augsburg          25   11   5    9        38:36       38
9      Hertha BSC      25    10   6    9       35:31       36
10    Hoffenheim       25     7   8   10      54:56       29
11    Bremen              25     7   8  10       29:47       29
12    Hannover           25     8   5  12       34:43       29
13    Frankfurt           25      5  8   11       28:44       26
14    Hamburg           25      6   5  14       41:54       23
15    Nürnberg           25      4 11  10       28:44       23
16    Freiburg            25      5   7  13       26:46       22
17    Stuttgart            25      5   6  14       38:52       21
18    B'schweig         25      4    6  15      20:45       18

Thursday 13 March 2014

Bundesliga Matchday 25 Preview: Top Matches FCB vs Leverkusen, BVB vs Glabach

With Bundesliga participation in the remaining eight of the Champions League all but settled, the Bundesliga invites its clubs on the pitch for Matchday 25.  Leverkusen, while putting in a respectable game in Paris has been eliminated and faces the arduous task of facing Bayern in the Allianz Arena.  Borussia Dortmund, which faces Zenit St. Petersburg in the second leg at home next week, hosts Borussia Moenchengladbach, which is currently in eighth spot.  Dortmund comfortable leads Leverkusen by four points and can increase that lead, should Leverkusen drop three points to Bayern.

Bayern is chasing, among other records, their own record of 101 goals, which they set in the 1971/72 season, with the Bomber of the nation Gerd Mueller. 33 goals in the next ten games would get them there.  Leverkusen's performance since the winter break has been below form.  Bayern will probably continue its winning spree.

Dortmund faces Borussia Moenchengladbach ahead of their second leg with Zenit St. Petersburg. After some huffing and puffing at the start of the season, Dortmund is once again competitive and a team to reckon with.  BVB holds a four point cushion over Leverkusen and a win against eighth place Gladbach could increase it to seven.  There is enough motivation there to keep Dortmund winning. 

Schalke 04, currently even on points with Leverkusen has a unique chance to overtake the "Werkself."  There opponent, currently in sixth spot, is not an easy opponent particularly at home.  Schalke needs a success prior to traveling to Madrid to take on one of the truly great clubs in Europe. Success could be defined with saving one point in Augsburg.

Wolfsburg, currently in fifth spot, travels to Braunschweig. While Braunschweig's is at the bottom of the league, the clubs relative standing is deceiving and the side can be a formidable challenge.  Wolfsburg need to have the right attitude to walk out of Braunschweig with three points.

The relegation fight is still wide open, with most of the clubs in the second half of the table having the vulnerability  to end up with that dilemma with ten games to go.   Stuttgart, Hamburg, Freiburg and Braunschweig all need wins if they are to slide out of the relegation zone, but it becomes increasingly more difficult. 

Frankfurt and Freiburg meet head on on Sunday and the outcome is important for both sides.  Frankfurt requires a top performance to defeat Freiburg.  Hamburg and Nuernberg are precisely in the same position.  Bremen hosts Stuttgart on Saturday.  The Schwaben are just outside the relegation zone by goal difference, while Bremen has a cushion of eight points.   Hoffenheim hosts its neighbours from Mainz and this is always a great local derby.  For Mainz there is still a chance to make a Euro League spot, while Hoffenheim is all but out of it.

Aside from Bayern, the competition for a Champions League spot next season is still wide open, while Dortmund has a bit of a cushion now with the four point lead over Leverkusen.  Nevertheless every game still counts.  The top nine are pulling away from the remainder of the field and will contest Euro League spots.  This weekend will further solidify the final outcome of the league and as always should be delightful for the fans.

All eyes will be on the game in the Allianz  Arena, with the view of Bayern breaking another undefeated record or for Leverkusen fans to see if the club is returning to its previous form.  The Dortmund/Gladbach game will be a test of wills, although Juergen Klopp will undoubtedly spare some players for the Zenit match.

Friday 14 March

FC Augsburg vs Schalke 04  0-1

Saturday 15 March

Borussia Dortmund vs Bor. Mönchengladbach       
Werder Bremen vs VfB Stuttgart       
Hertha BSC vs Hannover 96       
Eintr. Braunschweig vs VfL Wolfsburg       
1899 Hoffenheim vs FSV Mainz 05       
Bayern München vs Bayer Leverkusen

Sunday 16 March
       
Hamburger SV vs 1. FC Nürnberg       
Eintracht Frankfurt vs SC Freiburg 

Posn  Team             GP   W   D   L    GF/GA   Points

1      FC Bayern         24    22   2    0       72:11      68
2      Dortmund         24    15   3    6       55:27       48
3      Schalke             25    14   5    6       48:36       47
4      Leverkusen       24    14   2    8       40:27       44
5      Wolfsburg         24    12   3    9       41:38       39
6      Augsburg          25   11   5    9        38:36       38
7      Mainz                24   11   5    8        33:36       38  
8      M'gladbach       24    10   6    8       41:30       36
9      Hertha BSC      24    10   6    8       35:28       36
10    Hoffenheim       24     7   8    9       52:52       29
11    Bremen              24     7   7  10       28:46       28
12    Hannover           24     7   5  12       31:43       26
13    Frankfurt           24      5  8  10       27:40       26 
14    Nürnberg           24      4 11   9       27:42       23
15    Stuttgart            24      5   5  14     37:51        20
16    Hamburg           24      5   5  14     39:53        20
17    Freiburg            24      4   7  13      22:45       19
18    B'schweig         24      4    5  15     19:44       17

Saturday 8 March 2014

Bundesliga Matchday 24 Roundup: Bayern wins 16 in a row, 26 goals in six games

FC Bayern set a new Bundesliga record on Saturday with their 16th consecutive win.  Despite a strong effort by the wolves, who took the lead in the 17th minute with Naldo's goal, Shaqiri ensured the equalizer in the 26th minute.  Wolfsburg ensured that Manuel Neuer had his share of work in the first 45.  The second half saw a totally different game with Thomas Mueller getting the go ahead goal in the 63rd, while Mario Mandzukic increased the score by two in the 66th.  Frank Ribery increase the lead to 4-1 in the 71st and Thomas Mueller made it 5-1 in the 78th.  Mario Manzukic got the sixth goal in the 80th minute.

In the remaining matches on Saturday, Schalke 04 shut out Hoffenheim 4-0 with a hat trick by Klaas Jan Huntelaar and solidified its fourth place standing.  Borussia Moenchengladbach moved to eighth spot, after a 2-1 loss at home to Augsburg. Augsburg moved to sixth, a coveted Euro League spot.

Stuttgart, while ending its home losing streak managed a 2-2 against Eintracht Braunschweig.   Braunschweig continues to bring up the rear of the league, while Stuttgart struggles in 15th spot.  Hamburg drew a 1-1 at home against Eintracht Frankfurt, while Leverkusen dropped another two points in a 1-1 draw against Hannover, leaving the Bayer side six games without a victory in all competitions. 

Nuernberg lost a heart breaker against visiting Werder Bremen 2-0.  In an energetic match Der Club struggles to remain out of the relegation zone.

Borussia Dortmund pulled four points ahead of Bayer Leverkusen to increase the lead in the  second spot.  Sebastian Kehl's goal in the 58th minute was the winner. Freiburg did not look like a club that's in 17th spot with only 19 points and Dortmund can count its lucky stars that Freiburg failed to capitalize on their many opportunities.

Mainz and Berlin delivered an exciting match with ample opportunities on either side of the pitch. Although Mainz was the better half for most of the first half the side was unable to put the ball in the net.  Berlin's Ramos took advantage of a bad defensive pass and scored for Berlin in the 51st minute.   Mainz's Jo-Hoo was fouled in the Berlin penalty area in the 64th and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting converted in the 65th minute or the draw.  Mainz remains in 7th spot, equal in points with Augsburg, while Berlin occupies the ninth spot with 36 points.



Saturday 8 March
Hannover 96 vs Bayer Leverkusen    1-1    
Schalke 04 vs 1899 Hoffenheim       4-0 
Bor. Mönchengladbach vs FC Augsburg 1-2       
VfB Stuttgart vs Eintr. Braunschweig    2-2    
Hamburger SV vs Eintracht Frankfurt    1-1    
VfL Wolfsburg vs Bayern München     1-6   
1. FC Nürnberg vs Werder Bremen  2-0

Sunday 9 March
    
SC Freiburg vs Borussia Dortmund    0-1
FSV Mainz 05 vs Hertha BSC  1-1

Posn  Team             GP   W   D   L    GF/GA   Points

1      FC Bayern         24    22   2    0       72:11      68
2      Dortmund         24    15   3    6       55:27       48
3      Leverkusen       24    14   2    8       40:27       44
4      Schalke             24    13   5    6       46:35       44
5      Wolfsburg         24    12   3    9       41:38       39
6      Augsburg          24   11   5    8        37:34       38
7      Mainz                24   11   5    8        33:36       38  
8      M'gladbach       24    10   6    8       41:30       36
9      Hertha BSC      24    10   6    8       35:28       36
10    Hoffenheim       24     7   8    9       52:52       29
11    Bremen              24     7   7  10       28:46       28
12    Hannover           24     7   5  12       31:43       26
13    Frankfurt           24      5  8  10       27:40       26 
14    Nürnberg           24      4 11   9       27:42       23
15    Stuttgart            24      5   5  14     37:51        20
16    Hamburg           24      5   5  14     39:53        20
17    Freiburg            24      4   7  13      22:45       19
18    B'schweig         24      4    5  15     19:44       17

Friday 7 March 2014

Bundesliga Matchday 24 Preview: Relegation battle heats up


Bayern Muenchen goes into matchday 24 with a comfortable 20 point lead over their closest contender Borussia Dortmund.  As the league draws closer to the final matchday, a trend is developing that sees the race for Euro League spots closing from spots two to nine, while several clubs are still in contention for a Champions League spot.  The middle of the field (spots 10-14) has some breathing space from a relegation spot, while the bottom four are full into a relegation fight.  While Bayern has another run away season, there is still plenty to be contested in Germany's top flight.

Bayern travels to Wolfsburg on Saturday.  Can the Wolves, who have had a good run as of  late, be the side that upsets the apple cart for the record champion?  After their 6-1 victory over Schalke last weekend, Bayern pulled even with their all time record of 15 consecutive wins.  A win this weekend will create a new record for Bayern.

Six of Bayern's players were part of Germany's national side on Wednesday against Chile. Will that play into the outcome on Saturday?  Wolfsburg has a good opportunity to become part of the above 40 point club and, of course, enhance the sides chance for a Champions League spot.  It will, in all likelihood, be a close match.

Second placed Dortmund travels to Freiburg, which is second from the bottom.  Borussia will try to solidify its place in the Bundesliga, while Freiburg desperately needs a victory to escape relegation.  One of Dortmund's biggest problems this  year has been consistency.  Dortmund should win, but don't discount Freiburg.   Leverkusen travels to Hannover and the Leverkusen side has dropped behind Dortmund due to inconsistency as well.  The club's performance in the Champions League has been dismal, exposing deficiencies in passing and its overall defensive unit.  This is Leverkusen's match to lose. For Hannover a win means for breathing space from the relegation zone.

Schalke 04 hosts Hoffenheim and this should be one of the most attractive matches in the league this week.  When Hoffenheim visits this season it seems to develop into a high scoring game.  Hoffenheim is third in the league with goals scored.  A Schalke win could permit the Knappen to overtake Leverkusen in third spot, while a Hannover win could create more space from relegation.

Eight clubs are fighting relegation.  This weekend Stuttgart will play Braunschweig, Hamburg hosts Eintracht Frankfurt, while Nuernberg faces Bremen.   Dortmund visits relegation candidate SC Freiburg on Sunday.

Hamburg's coach Mirko Slomka is facing injury worries and the side may encounter difficulties to assemble a worth opponent when Eintracht Frankfurt visits on Saturday.  VFB Stuttgart has lost eight in a row and for the side's coach Thomas Schneider it is a must that the side defeat Braunschweig.  A loss could cost him his job.

Schalke is under fire as well after high score losses against Real Madrid and Bayern Munich the side hopes to recover in their contest with Hoffenheim.  Leverkusen has suffered five defeats in all competitions, including a loss in the DFB Cup against second division Leverkusen. The match against Hannover is a do or die match for the factory team.

Despite Bayern's run away lead in the league, there is still a lot to be decided in the league in the last 11 matchdays.  For some clubs the stakes are extremely high in the relegation department, while others are fighting for a coveted European job.   With the exception of Bayern, the remaining three Champions League spots are still up for grabs.  

Below is the current league table and fixtures for this weekend:

Saturday 8 March
Hannover 96 vs Bayer Leverkusen    1-1    
Schalke 04 vs 1899 Hoffenheim       4-0 
Bor. Mönchengladbach vs FC Augsburg 1-2       
VfB Stuttgart vs Eintr. Braunschweig    2-2    
Hamburger SV vs Eintracht Frankfurt    1-1    
VfL Wolfsburg vs Bayern München     1-6   
1. FC Nürnberg vs Werder Bremen  

Sunday 9 March
    
SC Freiburg vs Borussia Dortmund    
FSV Mainz 05 vs Hertha BSC   

Posn  Team             GP   W   D   L    GF/GA   Points

1      FC Bayern         24    22   2    0       72:11      68
2      Dortmund         23    14   3    6       54:27       45
3      Leverkusen       24    14   2    8       40:27       44
4      Schalke             24    13   5    6       46:35       44
5      Wolfsburg         24    12   3    9       41:38       39
6      Mainz                23   11   4    8        32:35       37  
7      M'gladbach       24    10   6    8       41:30       36
8      Hertha BSC      23    10   5    8       34:27       35
9      Augsburg          24   11   5    8        37:34       38
10    Hoffenheim       24     7   8    9       52:52       29
11    Bremen              23     6   7  10       26:46       25
12    Hannover           24     7   5  12       31:43       26
13    Frankfurt           24      5  8  10       27:40       26 
14    Nürnberg           23      4 11   8       27:40       23
15    Stuttgart            24      5   5  14     37:51        20
16    Hamburg           24      5   5  14     39:53        20
17    Freiburg            23      4   7  12      22:44       19
18    B'schweig         24      4    5  15     19:44       17

Saturday 1 March 2014

Bundesliga Matchday 23 roundup: Bayern dominates Schalke, Leverkusen loses again

FC Bayern Muenchen dominated the Royal Blues and within the first 15 minutes scored two goals. David Alaba, Arjen Robben (3) and Mario Mandzukic were part of Bayern's Schuetzenfest in the Allianz Arena.  Bayern's domination was totally uncontested in the first half.  The Knappen had a little more game participation in the second half. 

Leverkusen hosted a prepared Mainz side and lost another home game, albeit only by one goal.  Borussia Dortmund handily defeated Nuernberg 3-0.  Although scoreless after one half, Dortmund came back in the second half with goals by Matt Hummels (51st), Robert Lewandowski (64th) and Henrikh Mkhitaryan (83rd minute).  After a successful Champions League match against St. Petersburg (4-2), Dortmund repeated that triumph and has now moved ahead of Leverkusen into second spot.

Berlin and Freiburg battled to a scoreless draw on Friday evening and Berlin lost valuable two points in the quest for a European spot.  Freiburg has accumulated five away games without a goal, a new club record.  Despite a better performance by Freiburg compared to last weekend, Freiburg remains in the second last spot of the league. While Berlin pressed the issue early, the old dame was unable to complete the attacks to gain any advantage.  Freiburg did not stand back and had its own opportunities, but like their opponent was unable to get the necessary result.

Borussia Moenchengladbach had to settle for a 1-1 draw in Braunschweig and has dropped five points behind a coveted Champions League spot.  Bremen defeated Hamburg in the northern derby, moving Bremen into 11th spot, Hamburg occupies the relegation qualifying spot. Augsburg and Hannover shared one goal a piece, leaving Augsburg in a position to challenge for a Euro League spot.  For Hannover that goal is all but lost.

In Sunday's action Hoffenheim demolished VFL Wolfsburg 6-2, with goals by Niklas Suele (37th), Anthony Modeste (39th and 43rd) for a 3-0 half time lead.  Ivan Perisic pulled one back for Wolfsburg, but Hoffenheim go two more and Shipplock converted a penalty kick to finish the scoring spree. Hoffenheim has had five consecutive wins, while Wolfsburg's winning streak of four was ended.  Hoffenheim finishes the weekend in tenth place, while Wolfsburg is in fifth, two points behind Schalke. The late Sunday match saw Eintracht Frankfurt come back from a 1-0 deficit to win the game 2-1 over VFB Stuttgart.  Martin Harnik put Stuttgart on the scoreboard in the 37th minute, Frankfurt scored two in the second half Frankfurt's Jahn Rosental tied in the 80th  minute and Meier's low shot in the 89th secured the win for the Eagles.  Frankfurt moved into 13th spot, with some breathing space from the relegation zone, while Stuttgart struggles in 15th spot with just 19 points for its efforts.


28 February

Hertha BSC vs SC Freiburg  0-0

1 March
       
FC Augsburg vs Hannover 96    1-1   
Borussia Dortmund vs 1. FC Nürnberg     3-0  
Bayer Leverkusen vs FSV Mainz 05     0-1  
Werder Bremen vs Hamburger SV  1-0     
Eintr. Braunschweig vs Bor. Mönchengladbach   1-1    
Bayern München vs Schalke 04 5-1

2 March
   
1899 Hoffenheim vs VfL Wolfsburg     6:2  
Eintracht Frankfurt vs VfB Stuttgart   2-1

Posn  Team             GP   W   D   L    GF/GA   Points

1      FC Bayern         23    21   2    0       66:10        65
2      Dortmund         23    14   3    6       54:27       45
3      Leverkusen       23    14   1    8       39:26       43
4      Schalke             23    12   5    6       42:35       41
5      Wolfsburg         23    12   3    8       40:32       39
6      Mainz                23   11   4    8       32:35       37  
7      M'gladbach       23    10   6    7       40:29       36
8      Hertha BSC      23    10   5    8       34:27       35
9      Augsburg          23   10   5    8       35:33       35
10    Hoffenheim       23     7   8    8       52:48       29
11    Bremen              23     6   7  10      26:46        25
12    Hannover           23     7   4  12       30:42       25
13    Frankfurt           23      5  7  10      26:39        25 
14    Nürnberg           23      4 11   8       27:40       23
15    Stuttgart            23      5   4  14     35:49        19
16    Hamburg           23      5   4  14     38:52        19 
17    Freiburg            23      4   7  12      22:44       19
18    B'schweig         23      4    4  15     17:42        16