What do you do when you don't have enough healthy players for the squad? Well if you are St. Pauli, you turn to other areas of the club to find a player. That's what coach Holger Stanislawski did when he asked Hauke Brückner, an intern from the media relations department.
"I got a call from Stanislawski and I expected he was going to tell me he was not happy with an autograph session I had set for him, but then he asked me if I was fit enough to train," Brückner told the Welt newspaper. "I said yes. I had never imagined anything like this."
Stanislawski has included Brückner in his squad to face Hannover this weekend.
"When I walked into the changing room with my bag, the boys were staring at me, not really believing it," Brückner said.
Brückner previously played in the zweite liga back in 2002-03, but the 30-year-old had long retired. He could make his first career top-flight appearance.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Bundesliga Matchday 24 predictions
Friday night
VfL Wolfsburg v. Mönchengladbach
Prediction: 1-2
The Wolves are putting a lot of focus on this six-pointer. But veterans like Hanke and the coaching of Favre give the Foals a fighting chance.
Saturday
1. FC Kaiserslautern v. Hamburger SV
Prediction: 2-1
This should be a classic letdown for HSV after an emotional week of derbies against a relegation-threatened FCK.
1. FC Koln v. SC Freiburg
Prediction: 2-2
These teams play some wide-open football so expect plenty of goals, but perhaps not a winner.
FC Schalke 04 v. 1. FC Nürnberg
Prediction: 2-1
Granted Der Klub are red-hot. But it's still hard to see the Royals Blues tripping up in this spot.
FC St. Pauli v. Hannover 96
Prediction: 0-2
St. Pauli have no defenders apparently so this is a good opportunity for three points for Hannover.
1899 Hoffenheim v. FSV Mainz 05
Prediction: 2-1
Remember when Mainz were the darlings of German football? Remember when Hoffenheim were as well?
Bayern München v. Borussia Dortmund
Prediction: 1-1
Bayern president Uli Hoeness has guaranteed a two-goal victory for his side. Weidenfuller is a game-time decision for Dortmund, who have every incentive to shut Hoeness and the Bavarians up.
Sunday
Eintracht Frankfurt v. VfB Stuttgart
Prediction: 0-0
There may not be a worse matchup on the continent than this one. These teams are awful.
Werder Bremen v. Bayer Leverkusen
Prediction: 1-3
Expect a clinical effort from Leverkusen against a wounded Bremen.
VfL Wolfsburg v. Mönchengladbach
Prediction: 1-2
The Wolves are putting a lot of focus on this six-pointer. But veterans like Hanke and the coaching of Favre give the Foals a fighting chance.
Saturday
1. FC Kaiserslautern v. Hamburger SV
Prediction: 2-1
This should be a classic letdown for HSV after an emotional week of derbies against a relegation-threatened FCK.
1. FC Koln v. SC Freiburg
Prediction: 2-2
These teams play some wide-open football so expect plenty of goals, but perhaps not a winner.
FC Schalke 04 v. 1. FC Nürnberg
Prediction: 2-1
Granted Der Klub are red-hot. But it's still hard to see the Royals Blues tripping up in this spot.
FC St. Pauli v. Hannover 96
Prediction: 0-2
St. Pauli have no defenders apparently so this is a good opportunity for three points for Hannover.
1899 Hoffenheim v. FSV Mainz 05
Prediction: 2-1
Remember when Mainz were the darlings of German football? Remember when Hoffenheim were as well?
Bayern München v. Borussia Dortmund
Prediction: 1-1
Bayern president Uli Hoeness has guaranteed a two-goal victory for his side. Weidenfuller is a game-time decision for Dortmund, who have every incentive to shut Hoeness and the Bavarians up.
Sunday
Eintracht Frankfurt v. VfB Stuttgart
Prediction: 0-0
There may not be a worse matchup on the continent than this one. These teams are awful.
Werder Bremen v. Bayer Leverkusen
Prediction: 1-3
Expect a clinical effort from Leverkusen against a wounded Bremen.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Are Bayern too cocky for their own good?
There are a lot of reasons German football fans do not root for Bayern Munich. Bayern president Uli Hoeness provided one of them with his remarks about Saturday's matchup in Munich against Borussia Dortmund, the runaway league leaders who are by the way 13 points ahead of Bayern.
"I expect a clear victory," Hoeness told Bild. "I can totally rule out a draw or a defeat. We are the better team and Dortmund have no chance against us, and that is that. We will win by two goals."
So a team that is 13 points ahead of another has no chance? We at TBG hope that Jurgen Klopp's men see that remark by Hoeness.
"I expect a clear victory," Hoeness told Bild. "I can totally rule out a draw or a defeat. We are the better team and Dortmund have no chance against us, and that is that. We will win by two goals."
So a team that is 13 points ahead of another has no chance? We at TBG hope that Jurgen Klopp's men see that remark by Hoeness.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Sir Alex is correct
This is all you need to know about Manchester United and Marseille's 0-0 match Wednesday.
Ferguson: "Nothing really happened to be honest, and I don't think it was a good match to watch."
Enough said.
Ferguson: "Nothing really happened to be honest, and I don't think it was a good match to watch."
Enough said.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Becks treats the lads to meat pies
The great one himself, David Beckham, has not played in England in quite some time. But he's truly an English lad when it comes to cuisine (though we at TBG do not know why).
Becks celebrated his last day of training with the club by treating Tottenham's staff and players to a traditional English meal. Spurs boss Harry Redknapp says Beckham had meat pies and mashed potatoes delivered to the club's training ground in east London from "somewhere up the road, and we all tucked in."
The Tottenham supremo also said that "some of the foreign lads were not too sure what to make of pie and mash so we had their portions."
What do you think? Should the foreign lads have passed on free pie and mash? Should Redknapp not be eating so much? Let us know and you may win a free traditional English meal, courtesy of TBG.
Becks celebrated his last day of training with the club by treating Tottenham's staff and players to a traditional English meal. Spurs boss Harry Redknapp says Beckham had meat pies and mashed potatoes delivered to the club's training ground in east London from "somewhere up the road, and we all tucked in."
The Tottenham supremo also said that "some of the foreign lads were not too sure what to make of pie and mash so we had their portions."
What do you think? Should the foreign lads have passed on free pie and mash? Should Redknapp not be eating so much? Let us know and you may win a free traditional English meal, courtesy of TBG.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Cottbus jinx continues for Hertha BSC
Hertha BSC just can't beat Energie Cottbus at home. It's eight years and counting that Hertha have not beaten Cottbus in Berlin after the Brandenburg derby ended in a 2-2 draw in Monday night football action at the Olympic Stadium.
Once again, set pieces doomed Hertha after Pierre-Michel Lasogga split through two defenders for an opener that deservedly put the home side in front. Cottbus twice scored off corner kicks at the frigid stadium for a 2-1 lead.
Defender Roman Hubnik equalised off a rebound before the break, and a cracker of a second half loomed. Instead the action fizzled and Hertha were actually on the back foot for much of it. Niemeyer's shot from the edge of the box in the 89th minute was Hertha's best opportunity, but wasn't even close to the target.
Hertha lead the table by two points over FC Augsburg and VfL Bochum. On Saturday, our heroes make the treacherous trip to near the Dutch and Belgian border to face eighth-placed Aachen.
Once again, set pieces doomed Hertha after Pierre-Michel Lasogga split through two defenders for an opener that deservedly put the home side in front. Cottbus twice scored off corner kicks at the frigid stadium for a 2-1 lead.
Defender Roman Hubnik equalised off a rebound before the break, and a cracker of a second half loomed. Instead the action fizzled and Hertha were actually on the back foot for much of it. Niemeyer's shot from the edge of the box in the 89th minute was Hertha's best opportunity, but wasn't even close to the target.
Hertha lead the table by two points over FC Augsburg and VfL Bochum. On Saturday, our heroes make the treacherous trip to near the Dutch and Belgian border to face eighth-placed Aachen.
Bundesliga Matchday 23 review
Friday night
1. FC Nürnberg v. Eintracht Frankfurt
Prediction: 3-1
Actual result: 3-0
That's six matches on the trot without a goal for toothless Frankfurt.
Saturday
Borussia Dortmund v. FC St. Pauli
Prediction: 3-1
Actual result: 2-0
Dortmund preps for their trip to the Allianz with three vital points.
SC Freiburg v. VfL Wolfsburg
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 2-1
The Wolves are truly one of the continent's biggest disappointments.
Hamburger SV v. Werder Bremen
Prediction: 2-2
Actual result: 4-0
Ditto for Werder Bremen.
Hannover 96 v. 1. FC Kaiserslautern
Prediction: 2-0
Actual result: 3-0
96ers still in good contention for Champions League.
1899 Hoffenheim v. 1. FC Koln
Prediction: 2-3
Actual result: 1-1
Hoffenheim dominated but fails to take three points.
FSV Mainz 05 v. Bayern München
Prediction: 1-1
Actual result: 1-3
Hard to remember when Mainz actually had a sizable gap on Bayern now.
Sunday
Bayer Leverkusen v. VfB Stuttgart
Prediction: 3-1
Actual result: 4-2
This truly was a criminal result for Labbadia's men, who equalised early in the second half and missed several guilt-edged chances to go in front.
Mönchengladbach v. FC Schalke 04
Prediction: 1-3
Actual result: 2-1
Gladbach earnes their first home win in shock fashion. Lucien Favre still believes there is hope for his club, level on points with VfB.
1. FC Nürnberg v. Eintracht Frankfurt
Prediction: 3-1
Actual result: 3-0
That's six matches on the trot without a goal for toothless Frankfurt.
Saturday
Borussia Dortmund v. FC St. Pauli
Prediction: 3-1
Actual result: 2-0
Dortmund preps for their trip to the Allianz with three vital points.
SC Freiburg v. VfL Wolfsburg
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 2-1
The Wolves are truly one of the continent's biggest disappointments.
Hamburger SV v. Werder Bremen
Prediction: 2-2
Actual result: 4-0
Ditto for Werder Bremen.
Hannover 96 v. 1. FC Kaiserslautern
Prediction: 2-0
Actual result: 3-0
96ers still in good contention for Champions League.
1899 Hoffenheim v. 1. FC Koln
Prediction: 2-3
Actual result: 1-1
Hoffenheim dominated but fails to take three points.
FSV Mainz 05 v. Bayern München
Prediction: 1-1
Actual result: 1-3
Hard to remember when Mainz actually had a sizable gap on Bayern now.
Sunday
Bayer Leverkusen v. VfB Stuttgart
Prediction: 3-1
Actual result: 4-2
This truly was a criminal result for Labbadia's men, who equalised early in the second half and missed several guilt-edged chances to go in front.
Mönchengladbach v. FC Schalke 04
Prediction: 1-3
Actual result: 2-1
Gladbach earnes their first home win in shock fashion. Lucien Favre still believes there is hope for his club, level on points with VfB.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Top 'American' Talent in Germany
Since we here at TBG have given up the idea that there is any homegrown football talent in the U.S., we have turned our attention to finding players from other countries who want to play for the Stars and Stripes.
Two of the most promising prospects are Germans currently playing in the Bundesliga: 23-year-old Fabian Johnson of VfL Wolfsburg and 20-year-old Timothy Chandler of Nurnberg.
Johnson is a defender who has made five appearances for the Wolves, including one start. He was born in Munich and spent most of his youth career with 1860. While his club career has stuttered a bit, surely he is good enough for the U.S.
Chandler has made five appearances with 'Der Klub,' scoring in his first start in a win over VfB Stuttgart on Feb. 12. He has started their last two matches, and has a U.S. passport since his father is American. Chandler, born in Frankfurt and a product of Eintracht's youth system, appears to be a wing defender.
TBG believes that Johnson and Chandler should immediately earn callups for Bob Bradley's squad as soon as possible. And hopefully there is more talent coming through the Bundesliga pipeline for us.
Two of the most promising prospects are Germans currently playing in the Bundesliga: 23-year-old Fabian Johnson of VfL Wolfsburg and 20-year-old Timothy Chandler of Nurnberg.
Johnson is a defender who has made five appearances for the Wolves, including one start. He was born in Munich and spent most of his youth career with 1860. While his club career has stuttered a bit, surely he is good enough for the U.S.
Chandler has made five appearances with 'Der Klub,' scoring in his first start in a win over VfB Stuttgart on Feb. 12. He has started their last two matches, and has a U.S. passport since his father is American. Chandler, born in Frankfurt and a product of Eintracht's youth system, appears to be a wing defender.
TBG believes that Johnson and Chandler should immediately earn callups for Bob Bradley's squad as soon as possible. And hopefully there is more talent coming through the Bundesliga pipeline for us.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Bundesliga Matchday 23 predictions
Friday night
1. FC Nürnberg v. Eintracht Frankfurt
Prediction: 3-1
Dieter Hecking believes his team has done enough to stay up. They should destroy a fading Eintracht squad.
Saturday
Borussia Dortmund v. FC St. Pauli
Prediction: 3-1
Expect Dortmund to return to their winning ways against a St. Pauli side still in dream land after a shock derby win.
SC Freiburg v. VfL Wolfsburg
Prediction: 2-1
Freiburg has better motivation as well as a better squad.
Hamburger SV v. Werder Bremen
Prediction: 2-2
Will another derby end in disappointment for Hamburg? Maybe not so much.
Hannover 96 v. 1. FC Kaiserslautern
Prediction: 2-0
TBG believes K-Town will flop on the road in this spot.
1899 Hoffenheim v. 1. FC Koln
Prediction: 2-3
We went against Koln last week, now we believe in them home and away.
FSV Mainz 05 v. Bayern München
Prediction: 1-1
Bayern gets Mainz and Dortmund the next two weeks. Will the home side pull off a repeat of their shock triumph at the Allianz?
Sunday
Bayer Leverkusen v. VfB Stuttgart
Prediction: 3-1
These Europa League squads are headed in different directions in the league and in continental play.
Mönchengladbach v. FC Schalke 04
Prediction: 1-3
Lucien Favre takes over at 'Gladbach trying to lead them out of relegation. He's the man who is the reason why Hertha BSC fell out of the top flight.
1. FC Nürnberg v. Eintracht Frankfurt
Prediction: 3-1
Dieter Hecking believes his team has done enough to stay up. They should destroy a fading Eintracht squad.
Saturday
Borussia Dortmund v. FC St. Pauli
Prediction: 3-1
Expect Dortmund to return to their winning ways against a St. Pauli side still in dream land after a shock derby win.
SC Freiburg v. VfL Wolfsburg
Prediction: 2-1
Freiburg has better motivation as well as a better squad.
Hamburger SV v. Werder Bremen
Prediction: 2-2
Will another derby end in disappointment for Hamburg? Maybe not so much.
Hannover 96 v. 1. FC Kaiserslautern
Prediction: 2-0
TBG believes K-Town will flop on the road in this spot.
1899 Hoffenheim v. 1. FC Koln
Prediction: 2-3
We went against Koln last week, now we believe in them home and away.
FSV Mainz 05 v. Bayern München
Prediction: 1-1
Bayern gets Mainz and Dortmund the next two weeks. Will the home side pull off a repeat of their shock triumph at the Allianz?
Sunday
Bayer Leverkusen v. VfB Stuttgart
Prediction: 3-1
These Europa League squads are headed in different directions in the league and in continental play.
Mönchengladbach v. FC Schalke 04
Prediction: 1-3
Lucien Favre takes over at 'Gladbach trying to lead them out of relegation. He's the man who is the reason why Hertha BSC fell out of the top flight.
'I could puke'
Last week, the football world was stunned when minnows Union Berlin stunned the darlings of the capital city Hertha BSC with a 2-1 win in front of 74,000 at the Olympic Stadium.
On Wednesday, counterculture club St. Pauli went into the Imtech Arena (formerly the HSH Nordbank Arena, which was formerly the AOL Arena) and stunned Hamburg SV 1-0 on Gerald Asamoah's goal.
If you don't understand how big these derbies are, we'll let Hamburg sports director Bastian Reinhardt tell you how he felt.
"When I see how the St. Pauli fans are celebrating here in our stadium, I could puke," Reinhardt said.
The shot attempts were 22-4 in Hamburg's favor.
Said St. Pauli coach Holger Stanislawski: "The lads will toast the derby victory over one or more beers. But the win was lucky and we remain very focused."
On Wednesday, counterculture club St. Pauli went into the Imtech Arena (formerly the HSH Nordbank Arena, which was formerly the AOL Arena) and stunned Hamburg SV 1-0 on Gerald Asamoah's goal.
If you don't understand how big these derbies are, we'll let Hamburg sports director Bastian Reinhardt tell you how he felt.
"When I see how the St. Pauli fans are celebrating here in our stadium, I could puke," Reinhardt said.
The shot attempts were 22-4 in Hamburg's favor.
Said St. Pauli coach Holger Stanislawski: "The lads will toast the derby victory over one or more beers. But the win was lucky and we remain very focused."
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Words to Pep
Dear Pep Guardiola,
I have one simple suggestion to you: stay true to yourself.
Why on earth would you sub off Villa and bring on Keita??? You are Barcelona. Always on the offensive and never defensive. Why apply a strategy today that you never used before???
So what if the score was 1-0. When was the last time Barca was happy with just one goal?
Kudos to Wenger and his two sub moves - Walcott and Song out, Arshavin and Bendtner in. Immediate impact lead to the two goals.
I have one simple suggestion to you: stay true to yourself.
Why on earth would you sub off Villa and bring on Keita??? You are Barcelona. Always on the offensive and never defensive. Why apply a strategy today that you never used before???
So what if the score was 1-0. When was the last time Barca was happy with just one goal?
Kudos to Wenger and his two sub moves - Walcott and Song out, Arshavin and Bendtner in. Immediate impact lead to the two goals.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Hertha gave it to Luis Robles!
It's hard to see Luis Robles ever making waves for the United States. He was in the unfortunate position of trying to stop a rampaging Hertha BSC side on the weekend, and was on the short end of a 6-2 drubbing.
Robles, an American goalkeeper few fans this side of the pond have heard of, will be seeing Hertha stars Raffael and Adrian Ramos in his sleep.
Robles, an American goalkeeper few fans this side of the pond have heard of, will be seeing Hertha stars Raffael and Adrian Ramos in his sleep.
Cristiano Ronaldo's girlfriend is new SI cover girl
Loyal TBG followers will want to google Irina Shayk, aka Cristiano Ronaldo's girlfriend.
The 25-year-old Russian can be seen in a tiny pink-and-yellow halter bikini on her first cover of the latest Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue.
And yes, this means that she has appeared on the cover of SI more times than Ronaldo.
We here at TBG are guessing that Shayk is truly the "Special One" to Ronaldo as opposed to Jose Mourinho.
The 25-year-old Russian can be seen in a tiny pink-and-yellow halter bikini on her first cover of the latest Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue.
And yes, this means that she has appeared on the cover of SI more times than Ronaldo.
We here at TBG are guessing that Shayk is truly the "Special One" to Ronaldo as opposed to Jose Mourinho.
Bundesliga Matchday 22 review
Saturday
Eintracht Frankfurt v. Bayer Leverkusen
Prediction: 1-2
Actual result: 0-3
Frankfurt look incapable of ever winning another match.
Bayern Munich v. 1899 Hoffenheim
Prediction: 3-1
Actual result: 4-0
Robben is back as the Allianz remains a fortress.
FC Schalke 04 v. SC Freiburg
Prediction: 1-2
Actual result: 1-0
Exactly the momentum the Royals Blues need heading into Tuesday's Champions League clash with Valencia.
VfB Stuttgart v. 1. FC Nürnberg
Prediction: 1-1
Actual result: 1-4
Not only is Stuttgart in big trouble, but Pavel Pogrebnyak will miss out the trip to face Benfica in Europa League. When it rains, it pours.
VfL Wolfsburg v. Hamburger SV
Prediction: 2-2
Actual result: 0-1
Littbarski may not have played Diego but his side didn't pick up a point. Now what?
FC St. Pauli v. Mönchengladbach
Prediction: 3-2
Actual result: 3-1
As predicted in this space, Frontzeck's tenure at 'Gladbach is finally up.
1. FC Kaiserslautern v. Borussia Dortmund
Prediction: 1-4
Actual result: 1-1
A valuable point earned for the home side. Are Dortmund becoming second-half draw specialists?
Sunday
1. FC Koln v. FSV Mainz 05
Prediction: 1-3
Actual result: 4-2
OK we got this game completely wrong. Give Novakovic and Co. their due.
Werder Bremen v. Hannover 96
Prediction: 1-1
Actual result: 1-1
But give TBG our due for predicting Hannover's first away draw! With the exact score to boot!
Eintracht Frankfurt v. Bayer Leverkusen
Prediction: 1-2
Actual result: 0-3
Frankfurt look incapable of ever winning another match.
Bayern Munich v. 1899 Hoffenheim
Prediction: 3-1
Actual result: 4-0
Robben is back as the Allianz remains a fortress.
FC Schalke 04 v. SC Freiburg
Prediction: 1-2
Actual result: 1-0
Exactly the momentum the Royals Blues need heading into Tuesday's Champions League clash with Valencia.
VfB Stuttgart v. 1. FC Nürnberg
Prediction: 1-1
Actual result: 1-4
Not only is Stuttgart in big trouble, but Pavel Pogrebnyak will miss out the trip to face Benfica in Europa League. When it rains, it pours.
VfL Wolfsburg v. Hamburger SV
Prediction: 2-2
Actual result: 0-1
Littbarski may not have played Diego but his side didn't pick up a point. Now what?
FC St. Pauli v. Mönchengladbach
Prediction: 3-2
Actual result: 3-1
As predicted in this space, Frontzeck's tenure at 'Gladbach is finally up.
1. FC Kaiserslautern v. Borussia Dortmund
Prediction: 1-4
Actual result: 1-1
A valuable point earned for the home side. Are Dortmund becoming second-half draw specialists?
Sunday
1. FC Koln v. FSV Mainz 05
Prediction: 1-3
Actual result: 4-2
OK we got this game completely wrong. Give Novakovic and Co. their due.
Werder Bremen v. Hannover 96
Prediction: 1-1
Actual result: 1-1
But give TBG our due for predicting Hannover's first away draw! With the exact score to boot!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Neuer voices support for gay footballers
TBG fans and followers of German football know that Germany is one of the most progressive countries in all facets. After all, the mayor of Berlin, Klaus Wowereit, is openly gay, although there is no word on whether he supports Berlin's top football team Hertha BSC (6-2 winners over Karlsruher on the weekend!).
Wowereit famously declared, "Ich bin schwul, und das ist auch gut so." (I am gay and that is good)
Not too long ago, Bayern star Mario Gomez called for gay footballers to come out since Germany is so progressive. A real national team star, first-choice 'keeper Manuel Neuer has also voiced his agreement.
In an exclusive interview with Bunte, Neuer said, "Yes, those who are gay should say so. It relieves a burden. And the fans will get over it quickly. What matters is the performance delivered by the player, not his sexual preference."
Neuer reportedly nixed a transfer to Manchester Utd. It's obvious that the Gelsenkirchen-born Neuer is much more comfortable playing in front of the best, most openly-minded supporters in the world!
Wowereit famously declared, "Ich bin schwul, und das ist auch gut so." (I am gay and that is good)
Not too long ago, Bayern star Mario Gomez called for gay footballers to come out since Germany is so progressive. A real national team star, first-choice 'keeper Manuel Neuer has also voiced his agreement.
In an exclusive interview with Bunte, Neuer said, "Yes, those who are gay should say so. It relieves a burden. And the fans will get over it quickly. What matters is the performance delivered by the player, not his sexual preference."
Neuer reportedly nixed a transfer to Manchester Utd. It's obvious that the Gelsenkirchen-born Neuer is much more comfortable playing in front of the best, most openly-minded supporters in the world!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Barca held by Gijon
Now that Barcelona's amazing 16-game win streak in La Liga has ended, perhaps it's a good time to talk about this league for the second time ever on this blog - loyal readers remember our post from Nov. 23 about Jose Mourinho.
Well Barca outscored their opponents 60-6 during the amazing streak. But now Real Madrid will be in Barcelona on Sunday to take on a tricky opponent in RCD Espanyol to try to pull within five points.
Here at TBG, let's give some credit to Barca's opponents on Saturday, Real Sporting de Gijon. We mentioned Gijon coach Manuel Preciado before for his spat with Mourinho, calling him a canalla.
Preciado once again had his team prepared in an organised display. "We gave our lives for this draw, he said. "Although it seems to me that against the best team in the world it should be worth more than a point."
The most amazing aspect of the match was that Barca entered with a 10-0-0 road mark. That doesn't even seem right. Anyway congrats to Barca for being a great team and congrats to our blog for being great as well.
Well Barca outscored their opponents 60-6 during the amazing streak. But now Real Madrid will be in Barcelona on Sunday to take on a tricky opponent in RCD Espanyol to try to pull within five points.
Here at TBG, let's give some credit to Barca's opponents on Saturday, Real Sporting de Gijon. We mentioned Gijon coach Manuel Preciado before for his spat with Mourinho, calling him a canalla.
Preciado once again had his team prepared in an organised display. "We gave our lives for this draw, he said. "Although it seems to me that against the best team in the world it should be worth more than a point."
The most amazing aspect of the match was that Barca entered with a 10-0-0 road mark. That doesn't even seem right. Anyway congrats to Barca for being a great team and congrats to our blog for being great as well.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Bundesliga Matchday 22 predictions
Saturday
Eintracht Frankfurt v. Bayer Leverkusen
Prediction: 1-2
Expect Leverkusen to pass this road test after stumbling in Nurnberg.
Bayern Munich v. 1899 Hoffenheim
Prediction: 3-1
Bayern have 22 goals in their last six home matches, and Gomez is mysteriously fit after being out of action mid-week for Germany.
FC Schalke 04 v. SC Freiburg
Prediction: 1-2
What kind of side will Magath pick with Tuesday's Champions League clash with Valencia on tap? TBG thinks a poor one.
VfB Stuttgart v. 1. FC Nürnberg
Prediction: 1-1
Hard to determine this one, but Stuttgart's fortunate victory last weekend should not mask their very real problems.
VfL Wolfsburg v. Hamburger SV
Prediction: 2-2
New coach Pierre Littbarski claims VfL are not named "Diego FC." Will the Wolves respond in a major derby?
FC St. Pauli v. Mönchengladbach
Prediction: 3-2
This could mark the end for Frontzeck.
1. FC Kaiserslautern v. Borussia Dortmund
Prediction: 1-4
Can K-Town reverse a 5-0 loss at Signal Iduna Park? No.
Sunday
1. FC Koln v. FSV Mainz 05
Prediction: 1-3
Mainz have been unlucky since the restart and Koln was very lucky last weekend. Expect it to even out.
Werder Bremen v. Hannover 96
Prediction: 1-1
Hannover have yet to draw an away match so there is a first for everything.
Eintracht Frankfurt v. Bayer Leverkusen
Prediction: 1-2
Expect Leverkusen to pass this road test after stumbling in Nurnberg.
Bayern Munich v. 1899 Hoffenheim
Prediction: 3-1
Bayern have 22 goals in their last six home matches, and Gomez is mysteriously fit after being out of action mid-week for Germany.
FC Schalke 04 v. SC Freiburg
Prediction: 1-2
What kind of side will Magath pick with Tuesday's Champions League clash with Valencia on tap? TBG thinks a poor one.
VfB Stuttgart v. 1. FC Nürnberg
Prediction: 1-1
Hard to determine this one, but Stuttgart's fortunate victory last weekend should not mask their very real problems.
VfL Wolfsburg v. Hamburger SV
Prediction: 2-2
New coach Pierre Littbarski claims VfL are not named "Diego FC." Will the Wolves respond in a major derby?
FC St. Pauli v. Mönchengladbach
Prediction: 3-2
This could mark the end for Frontzeck.
1. FC Kaiserslautern v. Borussia Dortmund
Prediction: 1-4
Can K-Town reverse a 5-0 loss at Signal Iduna Park? No.
Sunday
1. FC Koln v. FSV Mainz 05
Prediction: 1-3
Mainz have been unlucky since the restart and Koln was very lucky last weekend. Expect it to even out.
Werder Bremen v. Hannover 96
Prediction: 1-1
Hannover have yet to draw an away match so there is a first for everything.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Bundesliga Matchday 21 review
Friday night
Borussia Dortmund v. Schalke 04
Prediction: 4-1
Actual result: 0-0
A thrilling Ruhr derby ends with a valuable point for the home side, albeit not a satisfactory one.
Saturday
1. FC Koln v. Bayern Munich
Prediction: 0-3
Actual result: 3-2
There are some things in life you cannot explain. Koln overturning a 0-2 halftime deficit is one of them.
Hannover 96 v. VfL Wolfsburg
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 1-0
McClaren's final game in the league is a predictable dud.
FSV Mainz 05 v. Werder Bremen
Prediction: 3-1
Actual result: 1-1
Give Bremen credit for a tremendous fightback.
1. FC Nürnberg v. Bayer Leverkusen
Prediction: 1-1
Actual result: 1-0
We said Leverkusen would find things tough - it was worse than that.
1899 Hoffenheim v. 1. FC Kaiserslautern
Prediction: 4-2
Actual result: 3-2
Hoffenheim on the rise again.
Mönchengladbach v. VfB Stuttgart
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 2-3
Not many more heartbreaking results than this one. 'Gladbach simply threw it away.
Sunday
Hamburger SV v. FC St. Pauli
Prediction: 3-1
Actual result: not played
See above.
SC Freiburg v. Eintracht Frankfurt
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 0-0
The less said, the better.
Borussia Dortmund v. Schalke 04
Prediction: 4-1
Actual result: 0-0
A thrilling Ruhr derby ends with a valuable point for the home side, albeit not a satisfactory one.
Saturday
1. FC Koln v. Bayern Munich
Prediction: 0-3
Actual result: 3-2
There are some things in life you cannot explain. Koln overturning a 0-2 halftime deficit is one of them.
Hannover 96 v. VfL Wolfsburg
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 1-0
McClaren's final game in the league is a predictable dud.
FSV Mainz 05 v. Werder Bremen
Prediction: 3-1
Actual result: 1-1
Give Bremen credit for a tremendous fightback.
1. FC Nürnberg v. Bayer Leverkusen
Prediction: 1-1
Actual result: 1-0
We said Leverkusen would find things tough - it was worse than that.
1899 Hoffenheim v. 1. FC Kaiserslautern
Prediction: 4-2
Actual result: 3-2
Hoffenheim on the rise again.
Mönchengladbach v. VfB Stuttgart
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 2-3
Not many more heartbreaking results than this one. 'Gladbach simply threw it away.
Sunday
Hamburger SV v. FC St. Pauli
Prediction: 3-1
Actual result: not played
See above.
SC Freiburg v. Eintracht Frankfurt
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 0-0
The less said, the better.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Hamburg derby postponed
The war of words between Hamburger and St. Pauli will have to be put on hold. The pitch at the newly named Imtech Arena (formerly the HSH Nordbank Arena (formerly the AOL Arena)) has carried too much water. "It simply rained too much. There was nothing anyone could do,'' Hamburger SV spokesman Joern Wolf said.
St. Pauli fans insisted that the match be switched to the Millerntor, which they claim is a perfect pitch.
TBG suggests that the match should be switched to a street match near the Reeperbahn strip clubs instead now.
St. Pauli fans insisted that the match be switched to the Millerntor, which they claim is a perfect pitch.
TBG suggests that the match should be switched to a street match near the Reeperbahn strip clubs instead now.
Worst Loss in Club History
In front of a capacity crowd of 75,000 at the Olympic Stadium, a truly shocking turn of events has happened. Union Berlin, the minnows of Zweite liga football, have shocked the giants of the city Hertha Berlin, 2-1 in the second-ever Berlin derby. Simply put, we at TBG are gutted by the turn of events.
Hertha came in with three wins on the trot since the restart of play and top spot in the table. Union came in battling relegation. But the honours were even in the first meeting at the Alte Forestei and this time, a sporting miracle truly took place.
It's a very sad day here at TBG as Hertha suffer their worst loss in club history.
Hertha came in with three wins on the trot since the restart of play and top spot in the table. Union came in battling relegation. But the honours were even in the first meeting at the Alte Forestei and this time, a sporting miracle truly took place.
It's a very sad day here at TBG as Hertha suffer their worst loss in club history.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Bundesliga Matchday 21 predictions
Friday night
Borussia Dortmund v. Schalke 04
Prediction: 4-1
Does anyone expect anything else from the 137th Ruhr derby?
Saturday
1. FC Koln v. Bayern Munich
Prediction: 0-3
Koln surprisingly have been tough at the Allianz, earning a draw in the reverse. That won't happen in front of an angry bunch of home supporters.
Hannover 96 v. VfL Wolfsburg
Prediction: 2-1
Hannover are on a bit of a slide, but the Wolves have often been toothless.
FSV Mainz 05 v. Werder Bremen
Prediction: 3-1
Sebastian Mielitz will deputise for a suspended Tim Wiese in goal, and could be in for a long day.
1. FC Nürnberg v. Bayer Leverkusen
Prediction: 1-1
Leverkusen should find things tough against a rejuvenated Nürnberg side.
1899 Hoffenheim v. 1. FC Kaiserslautern
Prediction: 4-2
Hoffenheim showing there is life after Demba Ba.
Mönchengladbach v. VfB Stuttgart
Prediction: 2-1
Possibly the biggest match of the weekend. The first fixture ended 7-0 for Stuttgart and 'Gladbach will earn some revenge and get off bottom.
Sunday
Hamburger SV v. FC St. Pauli
Prediction: 3-1
The honours were even after the first Hamburg derby, but HSV's class will give them three points at home.
SC Freiburg v. Eintracht Frankfurt
Prediction: 2-1
Freiburg are unbeaten in their last six league matches while Frankfurt are in a deep slump.
Borussia Dortmund v. Schalke 04
Prediction: 4-1
Does anyone expect anything else from the 137th Ruhr derby?
Saturday
1. FC Koln v. Bayern Munich
Prediction: 0-3
Koln surprisingly have been tough at the Allianz, earning a draw in the reverse. That won't happen in front of an angry bunch of home supporters.
Hannover 96 v. VfL Wolfsburg
Prediction: 2-1
Hannover are on a bit of a slide, but the Wolves have often been toothless.
FSV Mainz 05 v. Werder Bremen
Prediction: 3-1
Sebastian Mielitz will deputise for a suspended Tim Wiese in goal, and could be in for a long day.
1. FC Nürnberg v. Bayer Leverkusen
Prediction: 1-1
Leverkusen should find things tough against a rejuvenated Nürnberg side.
1899 Hoffenheim v. 1. FC Kaiserslautern
Prediction: 4-2
Hoffenheim showing there is life after Demba Ba.
Mönchengladbach v. VfB Stuttgart
Prediction: 2-1
Possibly the biggest match of the weekend. The first fixture ended 7-0 for Stuttgart and 'Gladbach will earn some revenge and get off bottom.
Sunday
Hamburger SV v. FC St. Pauli
Prediction: 3-1
The honours were even after the first Hamburg derby, but HSV's class will give them three points at home.
SC Freiburg v. Eintracht Frankfurt
Prediction: 2-1
Freiburg are unbeaten in their last six league matches while Frankfurt are in a deep slump.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Broken fax machine messes up Bundesliga transfer
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting chose to join Koln from Hamburg with EPL team West Brom also in hot pursuit of the German-born Cameroonian. Unfortunately, the fax machine broke down and the contract arrived at Koln 12 minutes late.
Now its up to the Deutsche Fußball Liga to determine what to do.
What do you think the DFL should do?
A) Allow the transfer to go through.
B) Make Choupo-Moting remain at Hamburg.
C) Send Choupo-Moting to West Brom for no reason.
D) Mandate that all future transactions be done by text, e-mail or twitter.
Now its up to the Deutsche Fußball Liga to determine what to do.
What do you think the DFL should do?
A) Allow the transfer to go through.
B) Make Choupo-Moting remain at Hamburg.
C) Send Choupo-Moting to West Brom for no reason.
D) Mandate that all future transactions be done by text, e-mail or twitter.
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