Schämt euch, ihr Versager!

Schämt euch, ihr Versager! (Shame on you, you losers!) That was the headline that greeted Hertha BSC after Saturday's dismal 2-1 home defeat to Kaiserslautern effectively ended our hopes of staying in the top flight. Words cannot describe a truly dreadful first-half display of footballing incompetence.

Hertha uber-supporter Frank Zanker was as dismayed as anyone, with the reality of the situation at hand. Although mathematically there is still hope of reaching the playoff spot with Cologne stumbling as badly, realistically the beautiful city of Berlin is headed for a second season in three with no first-division football next campaign.

"We have such a great city. Great events, great restaurants, great music - but not a great football club in the top League," the 70-year-old Zanker told the Berliner Kurier.

What can be done to save our beloved team? Zanker has some thoughts on the subject. "We need a fresh start. Nobody really knows where it goes. We need players who are willing to bleed for the club. Young guys, for which there playing football is not just about making money."

Right now the mood is dim. Even Berlin mayor Klaus Wowereit sees the writing on the wall: "It was very weak."

To quote the Kurier further, the match "was a brazen assault on every sense of honor, the fighting spirit. An insult, a nasty slap in the face of the 51,461 fans."

Schämt euch, ihr Versager!

Is Real Madrid starting to choke?

When Real Madrid opened up a 10-point lead in Spain, it looked like the league title was on ice. But Barcelona have won six on the trot since a shocking defeat at Osasuna on Feb. 11, while Los Blancos have drawn two matches in a four-day span, including Wednesday's ill-tempered affair at relegation threatened Villarreal.

After Sergio Ramos and Mesut Ozil were sent off in the dying minutes and Jose Mourinho was also ejected, the excuses came fast and furious from Madrid. Who would expect anything less?

And now there's a real threat that Barcelona can snatch the title away with a victory over Real Madrid at the Cam Nou on Matchday 35 considered a mere formality. And obviously Barcelona must win their remaining nine fixtures as well, but that has to be doable now.

So the question is will Real Madrid drop points? We don't think they will lose another match besides the Barcelona fixture - Real Madrid after all have only two total defeats this season.

The only tricky home fixture is a visit by Valencia that comes the weekend after APOEL comes in for their beatdown. Away there are trips to relegation-threatened Gijon - which beat Real Madrid last season - and cross-town rival Atletico. Keep in mind, Real Madrid has 14 wins and 5 draws against the Atleti since they returned to the top-flight in 2002-03 with 8 wins and 1 draw at the Calderon.

Let's say that Real Madrid draws one of those two. The other tough fixture where we see a slip-up is Barcelona's last banana peel - Osasuna. Los Rojillos have been beaten twice in 15 home matches and Real Madrid have failed to win in Pamplona each of the last three seasons. And the home side will be out to avenge a 7-1 loss at the Bernabeu.

This race is far from over. And even if Real Madrid do not win any trophies this season, there are still more important things to focus on.

Bundesliga Matchday 25 predictions

Friday night

VfB Stuttgart v. 1. FC Kaiserslautern
Prediction: 3-1
VfB put four past Hamburg on the road last week and have bagged a league-high 18 since the winter break.

Saturday

1. FC Köln v. Hertha BSC
Prediction: 1-2
Now that Podolski is gone, will Köln be motivated the rest of the campaign?

Bayern München v. 1899 Hoffenheim
Prediction: 3-0
This blog is hoping that Markus Babbel will prove to Bayern that he will never be their coach.

VfL Wolfsburg v. Bayer Leverkusen
Prediction: 1-2
Leverkusen were embarrassed by their 7-1 loss at Barcelona, but they are confident they will bounce back. So are we.

Mönchengladbach v. SC Freiburg
Prediction: 2-0
'Gladbach should fare well enough to end their winless streak at two matches.

FSV Mainz 05 v. 1. FC Nürnberg
Prediction: 2-1
Der Klube have been terrific and may have their sights set on Europe. That will change after a visit to the Coface Arena.

FC Augsburg v. Borussia Dortmund
Prediction: 1-2
Jurgen Klopp believes his side will have a tough trip to Bavaria, and we tend to agree since Augsburg are battling hard.

Sunday
Werder Bremen v. Hannover 96
Prediction: 1-1
These sides are separated by one point, and Bremen will want to keep Hannover behind them.

FC Schalke 04 v. Hamburger SV
Prediction: 3-0
Schalke have dropped two straight on the road but are unbeaten in their last seven in the league at the Veltins Arena.

Is the EPL really any better than the Bundesliga?

Many football fans criticize this blog for the heavy Bundesliga coverage. To be fair, that's because the other contributors don't have the guts to put their views on display for all to see like yours truly, ZooterMogul!

But this football season has seen the mighty EPL embarrass themselves, time and time again. And again.

But how does England's top flight compare to Germany's this year? Let's look at it from a team-by-team basis based on how the table stands currently.

1. Manchester City v. Borussia Dortmund.

Both teams crashed out of Champions League, but City were at least good enough to earn a coveted Europa League spot. Dortmund play a far better style of football but City have been gritty in grinding out results.

Edge: City.

2. Manchester United v. Bayern München.

Sure United are the more-fancied side with their superstars but Bayern have superstars as well. We think that the German club would win a two-legged tie against United, much like they did two years ago.

Edge: Bayern.

3. Tottenham Hotspur v. Mönchengladbach.

Tottenham showed in their last two games that they cannot defend. 'Gladbach have the best defence in Germany, yielding 15 goals. Spurs are probably more lethal in attack but we'll take Lucien Favre over Harry Redknapp in the managerial matchup.

Edge: 'Gladbach.

4. Arsenal FC v. Schalke FC.

Both teams have their domestic league's scoring leaders, with Robin Van Persie lighting it up in London and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar doing the same in Germany when he's not clashing heads with English players. This is a very tight matchup, but hard to trust Arsenal against any competent opponent.

Edge: Schalke.

5. Chelsea FC v. Bayer Leverkusen.

These sides met in Champions League play and the home team won each matchup. While Andres Villas-Boas is out with the Blues, Robin Dutt continues to hold onto his job at Leverkusen although many want him out. Another tough call.

Edge: Even.

6. Newcastle v. Werder Bremen.

Newcastle goals for, 39, goals against 39. Bremen goals for, 37, goals against 38. (Former Hoffenheim star) Demba Ba - 16 goals for Newcastle. Claudio Pizarro - 15 goals for Bremen. Since former Freiburg star Papiss Demba Cisse is now in England, we'll give the EPL this one.

Edge: Newcastle.

7. Liverpool v. Hannover 96.

Sure Liverpool have the pedigree but this current squad have drawn eight times at home with one defeat. Hannover have yet to lose at home and the 96ers are still alive in Europe unlike the Reds. Hard to favour Liverpool in this matchup after they were dropped by their German kit sponsor.

Edge: Hannover.

8. Fulham v. VfB Stuttgart.

Pavel Pogrebnyak scored one goal in 14 appearances for Stuttgart. He's scored five times in three games for the Cottagers. 'Nuff said.

Edge: Stuttgart.

We'll end the discussion there since we believe the rest of the teams are too terrible to acknowledge. But it looks like the Bundesliga has a clear edge! Sorry English fans!

Bundesliga Matchday 24 review

Saturday
Hertha BSC v. Werder Bremen
Prediction: 0-1
Actual result: 1-0
Hey, who expected this?

SC Freiburg v. FC Schalke 04
Prediction: 0-2
Actual result: 2-1
There were no excuses from Huub Stevens after this one, but the internationals may have played a role.

Hamburger SV v. VfB Stuttgart
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 0-4
This was not just a loss, this was utter embarrassment at home courtesy of Paulo Guerrero.

1. FC Kaiserslautern v. VfL Wolfsburg
Prediction: 1-2
Actual result: 0-0
Not much to report on this goalless encounter.

Bayer Leverkusen v. Bayern München
Prediction: 1-1
Actual result: 2-0
Bayern are seven points out of the top spot and writing off their title chances.

Hannover 96 v. FC Augsburg
Prediction: 3-1
Actual result: 2-2
Augsburg have actually been playing inspired football although they have dropped into the bottom three.

Borussia Dortmund v. FSV Mainz 05
Prediction: 3-0
Actual result: 2-1
Egyptian star Zidan got a goal for the visitors but the champions got another three points.

Sunday
1. FC Nürnberg v. Mönchengladbach
Prediction: 1-2
Actual result: 1-0
Herrmann's absence continues to plague 'Gladbach.

1899 Hoffenheim v. 1. FC Köln
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 1-1
The Goats host Hertha next weekend in a relegation six-pointer for the ages!

Bundesliga Matchday 24 predictions

Given Hertha's ridiculous play, TBG doesn't have the heart to do this week's picks with full gusto. Sorry!

Saturday
Hertha BSC v. Werder Bremen
Prediction: 0-1
Expect Hertha to lose.

SC Freiburg v. FC Schalke 04
Prediction: 0-2

Hamburger SV v. VfB Stuttgart
Prediction: 2-1

1. FC Kaiserslautern v. VfL Wolfsburg
Prediction: 1-2

Bayer Leverkusen v. Bayern München
Prediction: 1-1
Leverkusen have failed to beat Bayern in their last 14 attempts.

Hannover 96 v. FC Augsburg
Prediction: 3-1

Borussia Dortmund v. FSV Mainz 05
Prediction: 3-0
The champions won't have the suspended Kehl.

Sunday
1. FC Nürnberg v. Mönchengladbach
Prediction: 1-2

1899 Hoffenheim v. 1. FC Köln
Prediction: 2-1
I hate Markus Babbel!

A Terrific Gift Idea

Looking to shop for the football fan who has everything? May we suggest this item made popular by Mario Balotelli?

Bundesliga Matchday 23 review

Friday night

Mönchengladbach v. Hamburger SV
Prediction: 2-0
Actual result: 1-1
We asked how 'Gladbach would fare without Herrman? The answer is not as a title contender.

Saturday

1. FC Köln v. Bayer Leverkusen
Prediction: 0-2
Actual result: 0-2
Credit TBG for the exact final score since there was 'Never'-kusen going to be a third straight loss in this derby for Leverkusen.

VfB Stuttgart v. SC Freiburg
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 4-1
Stuttgart are flying high after this victory as we underestimated how bad the visitors would be.

VfL Wolfsburg v. 1899 Hoffenheim
Prediction: 3-2
Actual result: 1-2
Credit Markus Babbel for winning twice at the VW-Arena this season.

FSV Mainz 05 v. 1. FC Kaiserslautern
Prediction: 2-0
Actual result: 4-0
'Lautern and their hooligan fan base should soon be headed to the Zweite-liga.

FC Augsburg v. Hertha BSC
Prediction: 1-2
Actual result: 3-0
Ditto the Zweite-liga for the rot coming out of the nation's capital with Hertha.

Werder Bremen v. 1. FC Nürnberg
Prediction: 3-1
Actual result: 0-1
Results like this are hard to explain sometimes.

Sunday
Bayern München v. FC Schalke 04
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 2-0
Ribery's brace left the visitors with nothing. Are Bayern's woes over ahead of a tricky trip to Jupp Heynckes' old stomping grounds at Leverkusen?

Borussia Dortmund v. Hannover 96
Prediction: 3-1
Actual result: 3-1
Dortmund continue to win in style and even better, Sven Bender came out of the match OK.

Worst Miss Ever

More embarrassing play from the world of football - Deivid from Flamengo ...



"I was certain I was going to score," Deivid said. "I hit it and started turning to celebrate, and in that fraction of a second, in a moment of carelessness, it happened what it happened. Even my 5-year-old son would have scored."
Flamengo lost 2-1 to Vasco da Gama.
His daughter woke up on Thursday and said, "You missed the goal," and said she was sorry for him.

Bundesliga Matchday 23 predictions

Friday night

Mönchengladbach v. Hamburger SV
Prediction: 2-0
Can 'Gladbach truly contend without Patrick Herrmann? Maybe for this week.

Saturday

1. FC Köln v. Bayer Leverkusen
Prediction: 0-2
Leverkusen have never lost two derbies to the Goats in a single campaign, and it looks like Eren Derdiyok will be back for the visitors. Köln are forced to use a makeshift backline with Brecko suspended (again) and numerous injuries.

VfB Stuttgart v. SC Freiburg
Prediction: 2-1
Stuttgart continue to disappoint but should have enough to gain all three points from the league's bottom side.

VfL Wolfsburg v. 1899 Hoffenheim
Prediction: 3-2
Markus Babbel won at the VW-Arena with Hertha this season, but the Wolves are a much different opponent now.

FSV Mainz 05 v. 1. FC Kaiserslautern
Prediction: 2-0
Mainz lost the reversal 3-1 and should be primed for a backlash in this derby.

FC Augsburg v. Hertha BSC
Prediction: 1-2
Hertha begin the Rehhagel era in Bavaria in a relegation six-pointer. Expect the capital side to finally break their goal drought with Adrian Ramos healthy.

Werder Bremen v. 1. FC Nürnberg
Prediction: 3-1
Bremen should roll at home as they try to solidify their hold on a Europa League place.

Sunday
Bayern München v. FC Schalke 04
Prediction: 2-1
Bayern are ringing the alarm bells after last Sunday's 0-0 with Freiburg and an even more damaging 1-0 loss at FC Basel in the Champions League. Will Schalke have enough in their legs after needing an extra 30 minutes in Europe?

Borussia Dortmund v. Hannover 96
Prediction: 3-1
Dortmund have not lost in 16 league matches since they fell 2-1 at Hannover, and they want revenge. The 96ers had a demanding Europa League match Thursday, while Kagawa is making a quicker return than expected from a torn ankle ligament for the champions.

Onyewu hurt again

Bad news has struck the U.S. back line once again with the news that Oguchi Onyewu has a torn knee ligament.

The U.S. has critical friendlies upcoming against top-class European opponents Italy and Scotland as well as matchups with more local rivals Canada and Brazil. The question American supporters are asking of boss Jurgen Klinsmann now is "WWJKD"?

Champions League preview

Last week's picks in Europe's most prestigious football competition did not go so well. Fortunately we have four more Champions League fixtures to fare better this week.

Tuesday

CSKA Moscow v. Real Madrid
A treacherous trip to frigid Moscow awaits the La Liga champions-elect, with CSKA boss Leonid Slutsky basically saying "his side have no chance". The Russians are without goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev and Japanese star midfielder Keisuke Honda. Jose Mourinho, meanwhile, has everyone at his disposal except for Angel di Maria, who apparently is not handsome enough for Madrid head honcho Florentino Perez. Real have outscored foes 19-2 in this competition, including 6-0 on the road.

Prediction: CSKA 0, Real Madrid 3.

Napoli v. Chelsea FC
It's crisis and panic time at Chelsea, where Andres Villas-Boas seems set
to ditch Fernando Torres from the lineup, to the relief of any football fan. Napoli have posted four straight clean sheets in Serie A and won 3-0 over Fiorentina last Friday. The Italians' objective should be to finish this tie as much as possible before going to London and that should not be a problem given the Blues' drab state of affairs, with John Terry unlikely to feature.

Prediction: Napoli 3, Chelsea 0.

Wednesday

Olympique Marseille v. Inter Milan
Inter Milan have five defeats and a draw in their last six and have been outscored 8-0 in their last three defeats. However, Inter picked up seven points of nine on their Champions League travels and Diego Forlan is finally eligible for this competition. The Italians have a great draw in a struggling OM squad that will be without Loic Remy, who has two goals in the Champions League. There's some pre-match hype about this managerial rematch but on the pitch, Inter can gain a slender advantage.

Prediction: Marseille 1, Inter Milan 2

FC Basel v. Bayern München
FC Basel created one of the shocks of the tournament by knocking out fancied Manchester United and their occasionally obnoxious fan base. While Xherdan Shaqiri became a star for the Swiss side, now he's gushing about the team he will join after this season. Bayern turned in their worst performance over the weekend with a scoreless draw against the bottom side in Germany, but should be ready to get the job done in Europe.

Prediction: FC Basel 0, Bayern München 2

Bundesliga Matchday 22 review

Friday night

1899 Hoffenheim v. FSV Mainz 05
Prediction: 1-1
Actual result: 1-1
We correctly predicted an exact final score since Markus Babbel was never going to win his home debut and should have truly lost it.

Saturday

Hertha BSC v. Borussia Dortmund
Prediction: 0-2
Actual result: 0-1
A terrific match in the nation's capital saw a battling Berlin fall short before the Rehhagel era begins. Said Jurgen Klopp: "Phew, that was a lot of hard work here today, but we didn't mind because we had prepared for it."

Hamburger SV v. Werder Bremen
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 1-3
Bremen put aside their road woes at the most opportune time. Said Marko Arnautovic: "That was an awesome derby. Everyone was against us, but we 20 players on the pitch went against them all. This victory means a lot for us.

1. FC Kaiserslautern v. Mönchengladbach
Prediction: 1-2
Actual result: 1-2
Marco Reus played through pain for 'Gladbach who got three points against a side fighting for its Bundesliga life.

Bayer Leverkusen v. FC Augsburg
Prediction: 2-0
Actual result: 4-1
Andre Schurrle has his concerns about the club's atmosphere but this was a welcome result after a Champions League flop.

1. FC Nürnberg v. 1. FC Köln
Prediction: 1-1
Actual result: 2-1
These two sides appear to be safe now barring a huge downturn in their fortunes.

SC Freiburg v. Bayern München
Prediction: 0-3
Actual result: 0-0
The shock result of the matchday as Bayern are now in third place as the title seems to be slipping away.

Sunday
FC Schalke 04 v. VfL Wolfsburg
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 4-0
Schalke ran riot over Felix Magath's side. Said Royal Blues boss Huub Stevens: "Wolfsburg really were welcome opposition."

Hannover 96 v. VfB Stuttgart
Prediction: 3-1
Actual result: 4-2
Stuttgart may want to work on their set-piece defending after Hannover scored three times off corners - a first in the Bundesliga this season.

Worst Penalty Ever

Our friends over at The Guardian have provided this nomination for the worst penalty ever. You decide.

The MLS version of Jeremy Lin

The rise of the NBA's Jeremy Lin with the New York Knicks continues to draw worldwide headlines. The league MVP favorite has landed on the cover of Time magazine in Asia.

Lin's incredible rise caused MLS blogger Simon Borg to ask which player will become the MLS version of Lin. With the MLS season around the corner, it's worth trying to come up with your picks of who will will be a breakout star in 'Major Lin Soccer.'

Bundesliga Matchday 22 predictions

Friday night

1899 Hoffenheim v. FSV Mainz 05
Prediction: 1-1
Hoffenheim ran riot at the Coface Arena with a 4-nil victory but Mainz should show more pluck under the Rhein-Neckar lights.

Saturday

Hertha BSC v. Borussia Dortmund
Prediction: 0-2
Hertha's 1,000th Bundesliga match could not come under worse circumstances after the dismissal of Skibbe. Meanwhile, the reigning champions come to the nation's capital on a 15-match unbeaten run and looking for revenge for a shock defeat at home in the first half. Japanese superstar Shinji Kagawa will miss out.

Hamburger SV v. Werder Bremen
Prediction: 2-1
We predicted European football for Hamburg in our season preview. Well they are clearly on the rise and will be out for revenge in the northern derby against a
Bremen team with some notable injuries.

1. FC Kaiserslautern v. Mönchengladbach
Prediction: 1-2
Marco Reus may miss out on this trip for 'Gladbach but it is difficult to see
Lautern having enough to threaten Favre's men.

Bayer Leverkusen v. FC Augsburg
Prediction: 2-0
Leverkusen has one foot out the door in Europe after predictably losing to Barcelona, but also embarrassed the club and the league afterward. Still it will be hard to drop points against Augsburg.

1. FC Nürnberg v. 1. FC Köln
Prediction: 1-1
It's difficult to predict these sides that seem evenly matched in Bavaria. Brecko, arrested due to alcohol abuse during Carnival, returns from suspension - he was also sent off in the first fixture with Nürnberg.

SC Freiburg v. Bayern München
Prediction: 0-3
Will Bayern look ahead to the Champions League against FC Basel? We doubt it after they beat Freiburg 7-0 on Matchday 5.

Sunday
FC Schalke 04 v. VfL Wolfsburg
Prediction: 2-1
Schalke got a positive result on the road in Europe and should do enough to take all the points from the Wolves as Magath returns to the Veltins Arena taking credit for last year's run to the Champions League semi-finals.

Hannover 96 v. VfB Stuttgart
Prediction: 3-1
Hannover got a victory in the Europa League while Stuttgart are on a major slide on the road. VfB won the first fixture 3-0 so we'll go the other way in the rematch.

Champions League preview

It's time to get serious folks, as Europe's most prestigious football competition will resume play tomorrow. Let's take a look at the four Champions League fixtures on tap this week.

Tuesday

Bayer Leverkusen v. Barcelona
On paper the defending champions look invincible in this tie, with Leverkusen midfielder Simon Rolfes saying that this is "a classic David versus Goliath game." It should be noted that Barcelona are under pressure with the league title out of grasp with a 10-point margin. The holders know this is the competition they must win.

Prediction: Leverkusen 1, Barcelona 2.

Olympique Lyonnais v. APOEL Nicosia
OL will need a good performance at home against the surprising Cypriots, who enter as group winners. Lyon were dismissed by Caen over the weekend and have a terrible defence. APOEL drew all three away matches and could be poised for a good result.

Prediction: Lyon 1, APOEL 1.

Wednesday

Zenit St. Petersburg v. Benfica
Benfica make the long journey to Russia in fine form, with eight straight Superliga wins to open a five-point margin at home. Midfielder Javi Garcia is out but Nicolás Gaitán and Oscar Cardozo will be available. Zenit are unbeaten in their last 19 home matches, and have been training without a competitive match since their Matchday 6 draw with Porto. This has draw written all over it.

Prediction: Zenit 1, Benfica 1

AC Milan v. Arsenal
The marquee fixture of this week is Arsenal's trip to Italy to face Serie A table-toppers AC Milan. The Gunners have Thierry Henry in uniform one final time before he leaves the continent to waste his time playing for New York Red Bulls in obscurity. Milan usually bow out to English clubs and face a stern examination, with a mouth-watering duel between strikers Robin Van Persie and Zlatan Ibrahimovic ready to set the continent ablaze.

Prediction: AC Milan 1, Arsenal FC 1

Bundesliga Matchday 21 review

Friday night

VfL Wolfsburg v. SC Freiburg
Prediction: 3-1
Actual result: 3-2
The new-look Wolves won one of the most entertaining fixtures of the season, putting relegation well behind them.

Saturday

Werder Bremen v. 1899 Hoffenheim
Prediction: 2-0
Actual result: 1-1
Markus Babbel almost came up with all three points in his Hoffenheim debut before Arnautovic came to the rescue for the home side.

Borussia Dortmund v. Bayer Leverkusen
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 1-0
Dortmund continue to rack up the points - will anyone stop them?

Bayern München v. 1. FC Kaiserslautern
Prediction: 3-0
Actual result: 2-0
Bayern have a trip to Freiburg upcoming before crunch matches with Basel and Schalke.

VfB Stuttgart v. Hertha BSC
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 5-0
The Skibbe era has ended in Berlin - and not soon enough. Hertha look to bounce back at home next weekend - against Dortmund!

FSV Mainz 05 v. Hannover 96
Prediction: 1-1
Actual result: 1-1
Sobiech rescued a point late for the visitors ahead of their Europa League tie with Belgian side Club Brugge. The 96ers should welcome Ya Konan back from the African Nations Cup.

Mönchengladbach v. FC Schalke 04
Prediction: 1-2
Actual result: 3-0
We could not have been more wrong about this result. The margin was three goals inside of 30 minutes and 'Gladbach are truly contenders.

Sunday
FC Augsburg v. 1. FC Nürnberg
Prediction: 1-0
Actual result: 0-0
There were six bookings and no goals at the SGL Arena in an ill-tempered relegation six-pointer with these sides sharing the spoils.

1. FC Köln v. Hamburger SV
Prediction: 1-1
Actual result: 0-1
Guerrero gives Hamburg all three points and suddenly they could be European contenders.

Bundesliga Matchday 21 predictions

Friday night

VfL Wolfsburg v. SC Freiburg
Prediction: 3-1
Freiburg won the reverse fixture 3-0 but the Wolves look like one of Germany's most-improved teams.

Saturday

Werder Bremen v. 1899 Hoffenheim
Prediction: 2-0
Bremen may be sub-par but they sit fifth in the table ahead of this match-up with Markus Babbel's new club.

Borussia Dortmund v. Bayer Leverkusen
Prediction: 2-1
We'll take Dortmund to edge this match-up with Leverkusen possibly looking ahead to next week's thriller with FC Barcelona. Bayer must replace the suspended Kadlec.

Bayern München v. 1. FC Kaiserslautern
Prediction: 3-0
Nothing of note to see here.

VfB Stuttgart v. Hertha BSC
Prediction: 2-1
These sides crashed out of the German Cup but Stuttgart simply have more quality than woeful Hertha. Stuttgart will use Sakai, profiled here in the past, in place of the Suspended Molinaro.

FSV Mainz 05 v. Hannover 96
Prediction: 1-1
This shapes up as a tight affair and a draw would probably suit both sides.

Mönchengladbach v. FC Schalke 04
Prediction: 1-2
'Gladbach have seen a slight dip in form despite reaching the Cup semi-finals and Schalke will want revenge for being knocked out of that competition.

Sunday
FC Augsburg v. 1. FC Nürnberg
Prediction: 1-0
This presents FCA with an excellent opportunity to drag FCN back into the relegation mix. Expect them to take full advantage.

1. FC Köln v. Hamburger SV
Prediction: 1-1
These sides played a seven-goal thriller the last time they met. Expect a drab affair this time.

Bundesliga Matchday 20 review

Friday night

1. FC Nürnberg v. Borussia Dortmund
Prediction: 0-3
Actual result: 0-2
Credit FCN for a terrific first-half display but Dortmund are simply the class of German football right now.

Saturday

Hertha BSC v. Hannover 96
Prediction: 1-1
Actual result: 0-1
The bad times continue in Berlin, where former boss Lucien Favre will bring 'Gladbach for a DFB Cup match on Wednesday.

Bayer Leverkusen v. VfB Stuttgart
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 2-2
Stuttgart ended a four-game slide with a draw and every point counts for a side on the fringes of the relegation race. Both teams finished with 10 men.

FC Schalke 04 v. FSV Mainz 05
Prediction: 2-0
Actual result: 1-1
This is the slip-up that Schalke's rivals have been waiting for as the title trace continues to tighten.

VfL Wolfsburg v. Mönchengladbach
Prediction: 1-2
Actual result: 0-0
Credit the Wolves for enjoying the run of play and a well-deserved point.

1899 Hoffenheim v. FC Augsburg
Prediction: 2-0
Actual result: 2-2
Make that five draws in a row for the Hoff at the Rhein-Neckar.

Hamburger SV v. Bayern München
Prediction: 1-2
Actual result: 1-1
Both sides went out in an all-out attack for the winner after Olic scored against his former side to equalise.

Sunday
SC Freiburg v. Werder Bremen
Prediction: 1-1
Actual result: 2-2
We saw a draw coming but Freiburg were on top throughout the match and may have deserved more.

1. FC Kaiserslautern v. 1. FC Köln
Prediction: 0-0
Actual result: 0-1
Köln never seem to beat 'Lautern but Odise Roshi's maiden Bundesliga goal changed that.

German Cup quarter-final preview

While the world waits for Wednesday's slate featuring a wounded Hertha BSC Berlin hosting Borussia Mönchengladbach as well as the matchups of VfB Stuttgart-FC Bayern Munich and 1899 Hoffenheim-Greuther Fürth, the German Cup has quite a clash set for Tuesday.

It's a classic David v. Goliath showdown between Holstein Kiel and Borussia Dortmund. The underdogs from Kiel are in the fourth tier of German football but understand that they have outscored their last three Cup opponents 7-0.

Dortmund are the champions of Germany, but they will be without influential midfielder Sven Bender, and are already without über-star Mario Götze.

In addition, Dortmund usually crash out of the cup, advancing past the quarter-finals once in the last 23 campaigns.

Kiel may have an emotional edge. Kiel's Fabian Wetter told the Neue Westfaelische Zeitung: "It is not easy for other teams to play at a fourth-division team. The opponents are scared to embarrass themselves, and some also forget that we have some really good footballers within our ranks."

The temperature is expected to be in single digits Fahrenheit. The snowy conditions should help the underdogs and anything is possible when the DfB-Pokal is on the line!

Worst Bundesliga Injury of the Season

When we last were discussing the exploits of Leverkusen's Eren Derdiyok, it was about this wonder goal vs. Wolfsburg.

Well Derdiyok is in the news now for the wrong reason - the dumbest Bundesliga injury of the season. To shatter a toothbrush holder and now have to miss this matchup against a team you may have heard of is one of the dumbest things we have heard.

The only stupider one may have been this preseason injury to Kaiserslautern striker Adam Nemec, but at least he had the sense to let that happen in the pre-season!

Bundesliga Matchday 20 predictions

Friday night

1. FC Nürnberg v. Borussia Dortmund
Prediction: 0-3
There's no reason to believe that a ruthless Dortmund won't rack up the goals against a poor FCN defence.

Saturday

Hertha BSC v. Hannover 96
Prediction: 1-1
Hertha are in crisis mode but Hannover are always in poor form on the road meaning a point should suffice for both sides.

Bayer Leverkusen v. VfB Stuttgart
Prediction: 2-1
Stuttgart have lost four straight and present an ideal opponent for a Leverkusen outfit that is tired of all the distracting Ballack talk.

FC Schalke 04 v. FSV Mainz 05
Prediction: 2-0
Schalke are the title contenders no one seems to believe in, but they can match a club record Saturday with a sixth straight Bundesliga victory.

VfL Wolfsburg v. Mönchengladbach
Prediction: 1-2
There's no reason to start doubting Reus and company now.

1899 Hoffenheim v. FC Augsburg
Prediction: 2-0
Hoffenheim have drawn four straight at the Rhein-Neckar, and that streak should end in favorable fashion.

Hamburger SV v. Bayern München
Prediction: 1-2
Much has been said of Fink's Bayern connections, but the Bavarians have the better squad by a longshot.

Sunday
SC Freiburg v. Werder Bremen
Prediction: 1-1
Bremen seem to be unsettled since the re-start and Freiburg should have enough to muster a point.

1. FC Kaiserslautern v. 1. FC Köln
Prediction: 0-0
A dreadful match will see no winner and no goals.

Bundesliga Matchday 19 review

Friday night

Hannover 96 v. 1. FC Nürnberg
Prediction: 2-0
Actual result: 1-0
Abdellaoue cracks double digits with his 10th goal of the league campaign.

Saturday

Hertha BSC v. Hamburger SV
Prediction: 1-1
Actual result: 1-2
Hertha are sliding into oblivion and appear to be headed for another drop.

Werder Bremen v. Bayer Leverkusen
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 1-1
Leverkusen were happy with the point, showing bite after Eren Derdiyok was put on at the interval.

Borussia Dortmund v. 1899 Hoffenheim
Prediction: 3-1
Actual result: 1-1
Credit TBG for predicting an exact score thanks to Kagawa's brace for the defending champions.

Bayern München v. VfL Wolfsburg
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 2-0
The new-look Wolves came crashing back to Earth as they failed to put a shot on target with a negative approach that gifted Bayern possession.

FC Augsburg v. 1. FC Kaiserslautern
Prediction: 1-1
Actual result: 2-2
We knew we would get a draw and this is a result that truly suited neither side.

1. FC Köln v. FC Schalke 04
Prediction: 1-3
Actual result: 1-4
Hoger's late goal prevented another exact score, but also displayed the Royal Blues' dominance.

Sunday
FSV Mainz 05 v. SC Freiburg
Prediction: 2-0
Actual result: 3-1
Mainz went up three inside of 17 minutes and cruised home to the three points.

VfB Stuttgart v. Mönchengladbach
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 0-3
It's time to stop dismissing Favre's men, who are legitimate title contenders and could pull off the surprise of the decade by capturing the meister-schaft.

Major Celtic FC supporter headed to Super Bowl

For the second time, a major Celtic FC supporter is going to play in the Super Bowl. Celtic FC supporter Lawrence Tynes has helped the New York Giants reach the sporting spectacle once again.

The Scottish-born kicker won the Super Bowl with the Giants four years ago and once again, has provided die-hard Celtic FC supporters a major rooting interest for the Giants against the New England Patriots.

Bundesliga Matchday 19 predictions

Friday night

Hannover 96 v. 1. FC Nürnberg
Prediction: 2-0
The 96ers should cruise under the Friday night spotlight.

Saturday

Hertha BSC v. Hamburger SV
Prediction: 1-1
Skibbe believes his new club may get relegated. They will with that attitude.

Werder Bremen v. Bayer Leverkusen
Prediction: 2-1
Another rumour of a rift between Dutt and Ballack has unsettled the Bayer camp. Expect Bremen to take advantage.

Borussia Dortmund v. 1899 Hoffenheim
Prediction: 3-1
No Götze for two months is a serious blow, but Dortmund will want to avenge their first loss of the campaign.

Bayern München v. VfL Wolfsburg
Prediction: 2-1
The Wolves have a brand-new squad capable of great things, but getting a result against a fired-up Bayern with Ribery returning is asking too much.

FC Augsburg v. 1. FC Kaiserslautern
Prediction: 1-1
We'll go with the exact same score as last year's matchup between these relegation rivals.

1. FC Köln v. FC Schalke 04
Prediction: 1-3
Schalke are without Howedes but we believe that the Goats are on the verge of another rough patch of play.

Sunday
FSV Mainz 05 v. SC Freiburg
Prediction: 2-0
Freiburg showed some bite at home without Cisse, but Mainz are a difficult side at the Coface Arena and acquitted themselves well last weekend.

VfB Stuttgart v. Mönchengladbach
Prediction: 2-1
Stuttgart should knock off one of the co-leaders in a treacherous trip to Baden-Württemberg for the surprise packages of the season.

Klinsi has the U.S. team rolling! ! !

While the rest of the football world was busy playing in competitions like the English Premier League, Spanish Primera, Bundesliga, Serie A or even the African Cup of Nations, some countries knew what the last few days were a perfect time for - international friendlies.

Clearly other countries are too lazy to work on their national team form, but thankfully Jurgen Klinsmann has the U.S. finally headed in the right direction with impressive 1-0 victories over Venezuela and on the road against Panama, when the U.S. was down to 10 men and outplayed most of the match. The U.S. win streak is now three, but there's still room to get aboard this bandwagon now!

Our 'Klinsi' made some important decisions, naming German bad boy Jermaine Jones a captain for the Venezuela match. There was also the recall of World Cup goat Ricardo Clark, who basically never plays anymore for German second-division side Eintracht Frankfurt.

Clark saw U.S. action for the first time since his ridiculous giveaway against Ghana in the World Cup. He scored the winner over Venezuela in the 97th minute, giving the U.S. its first victory over a South American opponent in five years!

Said Klinsmann: "I wanted to bring him into camp and see for myself why he was struggling. He had to get his fitness up to the level of the other players, so every day we pushed it a little more and a little more."

Judging from that remark, it's safe to assume that Clark was out of shape, no?

Clark had a different story: "It felt good to be with the national team. Germany’s training is pretty rigorous, so it is not too hard to stay fit."

Clearly 'Klinsi' has a handle on his side and with three straight wins, he has accomplished much this week in laying the groundwork for the U.S.:
"What we did in these last three weeks was get a really good picture. The reason why we need these camps, scrimmages, and games is to get a sense of them so we can help them take the next steps."

The next step could be threatening the world-record 15-match win streaks owned by Spain, Australia, Brazil and France. Only 12 more in a row to go!

Bundesliga Matchday 18 review

Friday night

Mönchengladbach v. Bayern München
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 3-1
'Gladbach tightened up the BL race with this thumping error thanks in part to Neuer's shocking gaffe. Bayern tried to distract supporters from the defeat with a major signing!

Saturday
SC Freiburg v. FC Augsburg
Prediction: 0-1
Actual result: 1-0
These teams are the worst in the top flight but Freiburg are no longer bottom.

FC Schalke 04 v. VfB Stuttgart
Prediction: 3-1
Actual result: 3-1
No one is touting Schalke's title chances but Raul and company harbour some serious hopes now.

VfL Wolfsburg v. 1. FC Köln
Prediction: 1-1
Actual result: 2-1
The Wolves have a whole new roster and apparently hope to not be the most disappointing team in the league anymore.

1. FC Nürnberg v. Hertha BSC
Prediction: 1-2
Actual result: 2-0
Hertha are lost without Raffael and could face a difficult relegation fight.

1899 Hoffenheim v. Hannover 96
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 0-0
No goals and little to speak of.

1. FC Kaiserslautern v. Werder Bremen
Prediction: 2-3
Actual result: 0-0
See above.

Sunday
Hamburger SV v. Borussia Dortmund
Prediction: 0-2
Actual result: 1-5
Dortmund are trying not to get carried away. with the ease of this victory.

Bayer Leverkusen v. FSV Mainz 05
Prediction: 2-0
Actual result: 3-2
Lars Bender fired home a winner in one of the more entertaining matches of this round.

Piers Morgan: America still sucks at football

CNN personality Piers Morgan is known for rooting for Arsenal. He also has diagnosed exactly what is wrong with U.S. soccer.

Morgan explains that "America is, at a minimum, five or six years away from really competing for any major international trophies against the best teams." He also correctly compared MLS to Chinese football: "When I went to Shanghai in China, I went to see a match and what I saw there was not dissimilar from what you see in the U.S."

We at TBG believe Sir Morgan is off base. With no players in the Champions League, we believe the golden era for the U.S. national team has ended and the gap will grow in years to come!

Champions League club signs CONCACAF teenager!

French club Lille have a keen eye for talent. On Friday, it was announced that
Costa Rican striker John Jairo Ruiz has joined the club for 4 1/2 years.

The 18-year-old Ruiz starred at the U-20 World Cup and none other than TBG Team of the Year FC Barcelona were interested in his services.

We here at TBG are still waiting for American teenagers (or U.S. players of any age) to make their way over to Champions League clubs. Here is a clip of what that sounds like.

Bundesliga Matchday 18 predictions

We are ready to kick off the second half of the season with another outstanding set of predictions!

Friday night

Mönchengladbach v. Bayern München
Prediction: 2-1
One of the pivotal matches of the season sees the leaders go to 'Gladbach after losing to Lucien Favre's men at home. We see Favre springing another surprise.

Saturday
SC Freiburg v. FC Augsburg
Prediction: 0-1
Hard to believe Freiburg won't suffer from a hangover after the loss of Cisse,and FCA have battled hard all year long.

FC Schalke 04 v. VfB Stuttgart
Prediction: 3-1
VfB won this fixture to open the campaign, but Schalke are far superior and will be out for revenge after adding Obasi from Hoffenheim.

VfL Wolfsburg v. 1. FC Köln
Prediction: 1-1
The Goats have plenty of injuries while it is difficult to think the Wolves will beat any team above them in the table. Will new striker Mikael Ishak be a factor for Köln?

1. FC Nürnberg v. Hertha BSC
Prediction: 1-2
Der Klube won this fixture in Berlin to open the season, but we believe new Hertha boss Michael Skibbe will have a successful league debut with the capital side. U.S. superstar Timothy Chandler is set to return from suspension in FCN's 1,000 Bundesliga appearance.

1899 Hoffenheim v. Hannover 96
Prediction: 2-1
Hannover president Martin Kind ripped into Didier Ya Konan over the break, saying after Ya Konan's new contract that the striker "started taking things easy after signing his new contract. Now he is overweight and has pretty cars."

1. FC Kaiserslautern v. Werder Bremen
Prediction: 2-3
Bremen are usually horrendous on the road, but 'Lautern are ripe to be picked off as they are winless in seven.

Sunday
Hamburger SV v. Borussia Dortmund
Prediction: 0-2
If all goes well in 'Gladbach, Dortmund have a chance to go level on points at the top and they won't miss that chance, even without Mario Götze.

Bayer Leverkusen v. FSV Mainz 05
Prediction: 2-0
Leverkusen were shocked at Mainz to start the season, but they are on the upswing as they get ready to battle holders FC Barcelona in the Champions League.

Belated first-half Bundesliga review

We apologize for not having our first-half review up for our loyal followers. The second half of the campaign starts in two days with a delectable Friday night showdown between Borussia Mönchengladbach and leaders Bayern Munich at Borussia Park.

But before we move on, let's look back at another interesting Bundesliga first-half!

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT - team version: Wolfsburg. The Wolves are in 12th place but have been truly much more awful than that. Only one team has given up more goals and no one knows what is going through Felix Magath's head. Magath, by the way, has already lost points on his driver's license after being caught speeding. It's symbolic for a club with no direction.

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT - player version: Cacau, VfB Stuttgart. There have been other disappointments but all of those players are on Wolfsburg and we have already covered that ground. Cacau was supposed to be a German international who would put VfB on his back and their eight-place standing is hardly anything worth mentioning.

Other flops: Ryan Babel, Hoffenheim (although he may be the best footballing rapper in Germany), Michael Mancienne, Hamburg. Marcel Schafer, Wolfsburg.

BIGGEST SURPRISE - team version: Borussia Mönchengladbach. The team that needed to win a playoff with Bochum to stay in the league has been revitalized under former Hertha boss Lucien Favre thanks to Marco "Rolls" Reus. They are in the last 8 of the DfB-Pokal and look to be on course for Europe.

BIGGEST SURPRISE - player version: Bernd Leno, Bayer Leverkusen. This club looked lost after an early exit in the DfB-Pokal and an unheralded American goalkeeper in David Yelldell. Enter the teenage Leno who is among the BL leaders with seven clean sheets and helped Bayer successfully negotiate a Champions League group with Chelsea and Valencia. Not bad for a loanee from Stuttgart who is now property of Leverkusen.

Other surprises: Marc-André ter Stegen. 'Gladbach. Patrick Herrmann, 'Gladbach. Kyriakos Papadopoulos, Schalke 04. Robert Lewandowski, Borussia Dortmund.

GOAL OF THE FIRST HALF: Eren Derdiyok, Bayer Leverkusen If you have not seen this wonder strike against Wolfsburg, watch and enjoy.

EUROPEAN FLOP OF THE SEASON: Borussia Dortmund. Jurgen Klopp ran truly one of the most embarrassing campaigns in recent memory for a champion with one victory and a ridiculous eight goals conceded in three away matches that knocked the club right out of Europe altogether.

EUROPEAN SUCCESS STORY OF THE SEASON: Hannover 96. While Leverkusen advancing in the Champions League is impressive, no one expected the 96ers to get through a playoff tie with Spanish powerhouse Sevilla. Mirko Slomka's side got a thrilling draw in Spain and have advanced to 2012 with a manageable draw against Belgium's Club Brugge.

IF YOU CAN'T BEAT THEM, JOIN THEM: Schalke 04 gave up two goals to Finnish star Teemu Pukki in a first-leg loss to HJK Helsinki in the Europa League play-off round and he scored in a 6-1 loss in the reversal. Days later, Schalke announced a new signing - Teemu Pukki!

QUOTE OF THE YEAR: Markus Babbel, Hertha BSC. "You asshole!" That was Babbel's response to Hoffenheim boss Holger Stanislawski after the sides drew 1-1 to end the first half. Stanislawski was asking whether Babbel would be around for the team's Christmas gathering. Babbel, orchestrating his exit from Berlin as he dreams of coaching Bayern, was fired the next day.

What do you think? Please leave your comments below.

Bayern Munich cruise to 4-0 win over India!

India played a farewell match Tuesday for former captain Bhaichung Bhutia against one of world football's powerhouses, Bayern Munich. The Bavarians won 4-0 in a thrilling match in New Delhi.

All of the goals came in the first half, with Thomas Mueller scoring two Bundesliga leader Mario Gomez one and Bastian Schweinsteiger one. Credit Bayern for excellent sportsmanship with nine changes in the second half and as they really weren't trying to add to their haul while India could barely get the ball over midfield.

As for Bhutia, the 35-year-old is clearly past his prime in a career as possibly India's greatest footballers. He may not measure up to India's sporting legends, such as Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev and Vijay Manjrekar, but Bhutia's contributions have been invaluable in helping India emerge as one of the top 150 teams in world football.

Hertha will not face MLS superstar!

We reported yesterday that MLS superstar Omar Gonzalez has been loaned to FC Nürnberg from the champion L.A. Galaxy in advance of their second-half opener against Hertha BSC.

Well forget about that. Gonzalez has torn a knee ligament after colliding with U.S. international Timothy Chandler in his first training session in training camp in Turkey.

Gonzalez will likely miss the entire MLS season for the Galaxy. It's a stunning blow to the 23-year-old's career and possibly to Nürnberg's relegation battle.

Hertha to face MLS superstar!

When the Bundesliga resumes its season in a couple of weeks, Hertha BSC will face Nürnberg in a matchup to watch in Bavaria.

With FCN battling relegation, they have made an effort to shore up a leaky defence that features U.S. international star Timothy Chandler. Future U.S. national team member Omar Gonzalez has been loaned to 'Der Klub' from the MLS champion L.A. Galaxy, a side that features David Beckham and Robbie Keane. The 23-year-old Gonzalez was MLS defender of the year.

"We are excited to have Omar with us at training camp," Martin Bader, the sport executive and spokesperson at FC Nürnberg, said in a statement on the club's website. "We were planning on signing him this summer, but we were offered the chance to secure his services until at least the middle of February.

"After Philipp Wollscheid's transfer, we needed to consider a way to strengthen our central defence for the coming season. And Omar is an interesting candidate — a young, talented player who could represent FC Nürnberg well.”