Bundesliga Matchday 10 Roundup: Top three keep pace

The point gap of the top three Bundesliga teams grew, with all three winning their matches.  Bayern, Dortmund and Leverkusen now lead the remainder of the pack by ten points.  Bayern was humbled with its win over Hertha BSC Berlin.  Bayern was in danger of giving up two points right to the end of the 90 minutes.

Wolfsburg won against Bremen 3-0 and moved into fifth spots, while Schalke slipped into sixth.  Hoffenheim moved into the top half of the table with its victory over Hannover 96.  Nuernberg, Freiburg and Braunschweig remain in the relegation spots, with Nuerberg still chasing their first victory of this season.

The Torfabrik scored 32 goals in nine matches this weekend. 
VFB Stuttgart vs 1.FC Nuernberg 1-1

Friday's matchday opener featured the southern derbie between VFB Stuttgart and 1.FC Nuernberg.  Nuernberg, along with SC Freiburg, remained without a victory through nine starts, with just six points.  Stuttgart, with three wins was in the top half of the league.  Nuernberg's new coach, Gertjan Verbeek, hoped to change that.  The new coach only had three training sessions with his new club prior to the Daimler Benz Arena appearance.  48,460 spectators were present when Vebad Ibisevic scored on a penalty kick in the third minute.  Nuernberg pushed back and Josip Drmic got the equalizer just three minutes later.  Although Stuttgart dominated throughout the match, the Schwaben were unable to finish.  The crossbar, goal posts and Nuernberg's keeper often saved the Franken.  In the end the sides parted 1-1 and shared a point each.  Stuttgart currently is in spot six, while Nuernberg is in 16th spot.

FC Bayern Muenchen vs Hertha BSC Berlin 3-2

Berlin took it to FC Bayern from the start and were rewarded when Ramos scored in the fourth minute.   In the 24th minute Toni Kroos and Arjen Robben had to be replaced by Mario Goetze and Mandzukic.  Bayern took command of the game after Berlin's goal and in the 29th minute Mario Mandzukic got the equalizer.  In the 51st minute Mandzukic got his second of the day, giving Bayern a 2-1 lead.  Mario Goetze made it 3-1 in the 54th.  Berlin maintained its pressure and Ben-Hatira closed the gap to 3-2 in the 58th minute.  The win leaves Bayern in the top spot, leading Dortmund and Leverkusen by one point.  Berlin remains in fourth, ten points behind Leverkusen.

Bayer Leverkusen vs FC Augsburg 2-1

Augsburg took the lead in the 24th minute with a counter from their own half.  A quick pass from Morvek came to Werner, who delivered a long pass to Andre Hahn, who too the volley and one timed it into the net.  Rolfes got the equalizer for Leverkusen in the 34th minute.  Patience got  the three points for Leverkusen.  It wasn't until the 83rd minute when Can scored the winning goal.  Leverkusen remains in third spot, while Augsburg slipped to 14th.

Hannover 96 vs 1899 Hoffenheim  1-4

Hoffeneheim took a 2-0 lead in the first half with goals by Salihovic (10th) and Herdling (18th).  Hannover closed the gap shortly into the second 45, when Sane scored in the 56th minute.  Hoffenheim wasn't completely finished and Fimino scored in the 62nd and 64th minute for an importan away victory.  Hoffenheim moves into ninth spot just ahead of Hannover.

Mainz 05 vs Eintracht Braunschweig  2-0

Mainz, after six matches without a win, defeated Braunschweig 2-0.  Okazaki scored a goal in each half (8th and 68th) to earn the three points for Mainz.  Although Braunschweig dominated in the second half, the side was unable to close the deal.  Braunschweig continues to bring up the rear of the league, with four points for ten starts.  Mainz moved into  11th spot.

Schalke 04 vs Borussia Dortmund 1-3

Dortmund continues to fight head to head with Bayern.  In the local derby between the Knappen and Borussia, Dortmund has often had to take the backseat, especially in the Veitins Arena in Gelsenkirchen.  Aubemeyang put Dortmund on the scoreboard in the 14th minute for a 1-0 halftime lead.   Sahin doubled the score six minutes into the second half in the 51st.  Meyer gave Schalke some hope in the 62nd minute, when he narrowed the score to 2-1.  Jakub Blascykowski settled it for Dortmund in the 74th mintue.  Dortmund remains in second spot, one point behind Bayern.  Schalke dropped to sixth spot.

VFL Wolfsburg vs Werder Bremen 3-0

Wolfsburg catapulted itself into fifth spot with a 3-0 win over Bremen.  Arnold scored the opening volley in the seventh minute and Olic and Perisic sealed the deal in the 72nd and 89th minute.  The 3-0 victory was well deserved by Wolfsburg, which took control of the match right from the opening whistle.  Bremen has slipped to 12th spot.

SC Freiburg vs Hamburger SV   0-3

SC Freiburg continues to chase that elusive first victory this season.  Although Freiburg kept pace with Hamburg for most of the first half, an error by Freiburg's keeper Baumann allowed Maximillian Beister to get the 1-0 lead in the 37th minute.  Lasogga doubled the lead in the 47th minutes and Van der Vaart fired in the third in the 63rd minute.   With just five points in ten starts, Freiburg is settling in at the bottom of the league just ahead of newcomer Eintracht Braunschweig.  

 Borussia Moenchengladbach vs Eintracht Franfurt  4-1

Frankfurt continues to struggle in the Bundesliga, yet have been relatively successful in the Euro League group phase.  Frankfurt started this match with high hopes.  Gladbach proved to be to big a challenge for the Hessen.  Arango gave Gladbach the lead in the 11th minute and Aigner pushed right back to equalize in the 15th.  Wendt made it 2-1 in the 18th minute and Frankfurt was unable to get the equalizer before the halftime whistle.  Hermann made 3-1 in the 60th and Raffael put the match out of reach for Frankfurt in the 66th.  The win moved Gladbach into fourth spot, while Frankfurt remains in 14th. 


Friday October 25th   

VfB Stuttgart vs 1. FC Nürnberg  1-1

Saturday October 26th  
    
Bayern München vs Hertha BSC        3-2
Schalke 04 vs Borussia Dortmund      1-3  
Bayer Leverkusen vs FC Augsburg    2-1
Hannover 96 vs 1899 Hoffenheim      1-4 
FSV Mainz 05 vs Eintracht Braunschweig  2-0      
VfL Wolfsburg vs Werder Bremen  3-0

Sunday October 27th
    
SC Freiburg vs Hamburger SV       0-3 
Borussia Mönchengladbach vs Eintracht Frankfurt  4-1

Position------Team-------------------GP--W---D-----L-----GF/A-----Pts

1--------FC Bayern Muenchen-------10----8----2-----0------22-6-------26
2--------Borussia Dortmund----------10----8----1-----1------26:8-------25
3--------Bayer Leverkusen------------10----8----1-----1-----22:10------25
5--------Borussia M'gladbach--------10----5----1-----4-----23:15-------16
5------- Hertha BSC Berlin-----------10----4----3-----3-----17:12-------15
6--------VFL Wolfsburg---------------10----5----0-----5-----14:12-------15
7--------FC Schalke 04----------------10----3----2-----5-----17:23-------14
8-------VFB Stuttgart------------------10----3----4-----3-----20:14-------13
9-------1899 Hoffenheim--------------10----3----4-----3-----25:23-------13
10-------Hannover 96------------------10----4----1-----4-----12:16-------13
11------Mainz 05-----------------------10----4----1-----5-----15:21--------13
12------Hamburg------------------------10----3----3-----4-----23:22-------12
13------Werder Bremen----------------10----3----3-----4------9:15--------12
14-------Eintracht Frankfurt-----------10----2----4-----4-----13:18--------10
15----- FCAugsburg--------------------10----3----1-----6----11:19---------10
16------1. FC Nürnberg----------------10----0----7-----3-----10:18----------7
17------SC Freiburg--------------------10----0----5-----5-------9:21----------5
18------Eintracht Braunschweig-------9-----1----1-----7------7:22----------4

Bundesliga Matchday Ten Preview - Showdown in Gelsenkirchen

As matchday ten gets underway later on today, Bayern remains on top with only one point ahead of Dortmund and Leverkusen.  Fourth placed Hertha BSC Berlin is seven points behind the leaders and the gap seeems to be growing.  Schalke 04 is in fifth place and will be hosting Borussia Dortmund in Gelsenkirchen.  While Schalke has had diffficulty this season, this will not be an easy match for the Borussen to win.

Dortmund earlier this week won its match in London, with a 2-1 victory over the Gunners.  Schalke on the other hand lost their match 3-0 against Chelsea.  DFB.de headlined this match with "Schalke reaches its limits."  DFB also says tht Dortmund has failed its dress rehearsal for tomorrow's match, but don't write the Knappen off yet.

FC Bayern hosts Hertha BSC Berlin.  The Berliners have been the surprise team, with four wins, three draws and two losses.  The Allianz Arena and a well oiled Bayern machine is a big task for any team.  Bayern won its match midweek 5-0 over Pilzen and the side is riding a high.  Will Bayern remain the only undefeated team this season?

Leverkusen demonstrated midweek that the side rightly belongs into the Champions League, defeating Shakhtar Donetsk 4-0.  This week the side will be hosting a fiesty Bavarian side, FC Augsburg.  On paper this should be an easy task for Leverkusen, but Augsburg has been known to upset the big teams.  This should be an exciting match.

On Friday, VFB Stuttgart host 1.FC Nuernberg.  Nuernberg, along with Freiburg, is still chasing its first victory of the season.  With a record of 0-6-3, they visit the Schwaben, a side that sits at 3-3-3.  Motivation should be high for Stuttgart, a win can move the club among the top six sides in the league.  For Nuernberg a win would be a start to move up. 

The remaining three matches on Saturday are primarily battles between teams attempting to remain in the top half of the league.  Hannover hosts Hoffenheim and has the slight edge over the men from Sinsheim.  Braunschweig travels to Mainz and a win could finally move the newcomers off the tailend of the league.  For Mainz s a win is critical.  Wolfsburg welcomes Bremen in an Saturday evening match.  Both sides have 12 points and this should be a close match, with fans sitting on the edge of their seats.

On Sunday SC Freiburg hosts Hamburg and Frankfurt travels to Gladbach.  While Frankfurt has done relatively well in Euro League play, defeating Tel Aviv 2-0 yesterday, the side has been struggling domestically.  With only two wins in nine matchdays, the challenge will be to walk away with three points against a side that has won four and lost five matches.  This should be one of the better matches this weekend.

While there may be several surprises, including upsets, this weekend, there will again be lots of excitement and anticipation.  Dortmund, Leverkusen and Bayern come off impressive Champions League victories and will try to capitalize on the momentum. 

Friday October 25th   

VfB Stuttgart vs 1. FC Nürnberg  1-1

Saturday October 26th  
    
Bayern München vs Hertha BSC        
Schalke 04 vs Borussia Dortmund        
Bayer Leverkusen vs FC Augsburg    
Hannover 96 vs 1899 Hoffenheim        
FSV Mainz 05 vs Eintracht Braunschweig        
VfL Wolfsburg vs Werder Bremen  

Sunday October 27th
    
SC Freiburg vs Hamburger SV        
Borussia Mönchengladbach vs Eintracht Frankfurt

Position------Team-------------------GP--W---D-----L-----GF/A-----Pts

1--------FC Bayern Muenchen--------9----7----2-----0------19-4-------23
2--------Borussia Dortmund-----------9----7----1-----1------22:7-------22
3--------Bayer Leverkusen-------------9----7----1-----1------20:9-------22
4------- Hertha BSC Berlin-------------9----4----3-----2-----15:9-------15
5--------FC Schalke 04-----------------9----3----2-----4-----16:20-------14
6-------VFB Stuttgart------------------10----3----4-----3-----20:14-------13
7--------Borussia M'gladbach----------9----4----1-----4-----19:14-------13
8--------Hannover 96--------------------9----4----1-----4-----11:12-------13
9-------VFL Wolfsburg------------------9----4----0-----5-----11:12-------12
10------Werder Bremen------------------9----3----3-----3------9:12-------12
11------1899 Hoffenheim---------------9----2----4-----3-----21:22--------10
12----- FCAugsburg---------------------9----3----1-----5-----10:17--------10
13------Mainz 05-------------------------9----3----1-----5-----13:21--------10
14-------Eintracht Frankfurt------------9----2----4-----3-----12:14---------10
15------Hamburg-------------------------9----2----3-----4-----21:21----------9
16------1. FC Nürnberg----------------10----0----7-----3-----10:18----------7
17------SC Freiburg---------------------9-----0----5-----4------9:18----------5
18------Eintracht Braunschweig-------9-----1----1-----7------7:22----------4

Bundesliga Matchday 9 Roundup - Bayern continues to lead by one point

 FC Bayern Muenchen maintained its top spot and remained the only club without a defeat after nine games.  Mainz lead the game after the first 45, but in the second half it was all Bayern.  Goals by Mueller (2), Mandzukic and Robben guaranteed a 4-1 victory.

Second placed Borussia Dortmund had a narrow home victory over Hannover 96.  Marco Reus' penalty shot was enough for the Borussen to secure the three points.  Bayer Leverkusen defeated Hoffenheim 2-1 yesterday.  If it weren't for Lady Luck Hoffenheim could have easily collected the three points.

Schalke moved up into fifth spot, with a hard fought victory  over Braunschweig.  The gap between the leading trio, Bayern, Dortmund and Leverkusen, is now seven points, while only one point separates the top contenders.


 Hoffenheim vs Bayer Leverkusen 1-2

Leverkusen temporarily took the lead of the league, after defeating Hoffenheim 2-1 in what appeared to be a match with several controversial decisions.  Hoffenheim scored a regular goal in the 26th minute, when Sidney Sam hit the back of the net.  Stefan Kiessling scored what can only be considered a "Phantom goal," in the 70th minute.  After a corner kick by Sidney Sam, Kiessling headed the ball toward the target, which replay videos clearly show missing the net, sliding by the left side and then somehow moving through the opening in the netting, landing inside the goal.  Despite protests the goal was allowed.   Hoffenheim was the better side for much of the game, but Lady Luck was with Leverkusen.  Sven Shipplock's goal in the 88th minute came too late. There is sure to be a ruling on this match by DFL officials.  It could result in a rematch.

Borussia Dortmund vs Hannover 96  1-0

A third minute foul by Hannnover's Sakai on Dortmund's Durm resulted in a penalty and a yellow card for Sakai.  Reus executed the kick precisely into the left corner of the net.  Hannover's Zieler moved in the right direction, but was unable to stop the ball.  Overall the Borussen did not do themselves proud in this home game, but Reus' penalty kick was enough to take the win.  Dortmund remains in second spot with 22 points, up on Leverkusen by goal difference.

Bayern Muenchen vs FSV Mainz 05   4-1

Bayern started the match with little success against a well organized and discipline Mainz side.  Mainz came from nowhere in the 44th minute, giving Mainz a 1-0 halftime lead.  During the second half Bayern took control of the match and never looked back.  Robben started the scoring in the 50th minute, followed by Thomas Mueller's goal in the 52nd.  Mandzukic scored Bayern's third in the 69th minute and Thomas Mueller put the  match away in the 82nd.  Bayern won convincingly 4-1 and left no doubt in the second 45 who was in charge.  Bayern remains on top of the league one point ahead of Dortmund and Leverkusen.  Bayern, which contested it's ninth game without a loss, also closed up on Dortmund in goal differenc.  Mainz slipped to 13th spot.

Werder Bremen vs SC Freiburg  0-0

Overall this was not one of the best performances in the Bundesliga. While Bremen had the best scoring opportunities, Hunt and Elia were stopped several times by Freiburg's Baumann.  Freiburg had an excellent scoring opportunity prior to the break, but it was foiled.  In the second half Freiburg took it to Bremen, but was unable to create clear scoring opportunities. Bremen's Garcia's attempt after a corner was blocked by the goal post. Freiburg's Lady Luck did no better.  Ginter's header after a corner, hit the cross bar. Baumann made one more save in extra time, with teams parting after a scoreless tie.   The draw moves Bremen to eight spot, while Freiburg remains in 17th with just five points.

Eintracht Braunschweig vs Schalke 04   2:3

Braunschweig led twice in this match, just to be defeated in the 90th minute, as a result of a defensive error. Ademi gave Braunschweig the lead in the 20th minute and Meyer equalized for Schalke in the 29th.  Bellarabi, once again, gave Braunschweig the lead in the 59th minute, but Goretzka equalized in the 65th.  Schalke's Neustaedter gave Schalke the victory.  Schalke moves up to fifth spot, while Braunschweig brings up the rear of the league.

Eintracht Frankfurt vs 1.FC Nuernberg  1-1 

Frankfurt continues to look for its first home pitch victory.  Frankfurt dominated most of the match and get rewarded with Kadlec finding the target in 50th minute for the 1-0 lead.  Five minutes before the final whistle Drmic got the equalizer.  The point moves Frankfurt up to 11th spot, while Nuernberg, with just six points, remains in 16th.

Hertha BSC Berlin vs Borrusia Moenchengladbach   1-0

The Berliners continue to surprise.  Ramos scored for Hertha in the 36th minute and this was enough to keep Gladbach at bay.  With three more points in hand, Berlin occupies spot four, seven points from the lead trio.  Gladbach moved into sixth spot with 13 points.

Hamburger SV vs VFB Stuttgart   3-3

VFB Stuttgart took the lead three times, just to have the Hanseaten negate it.  Maxim got the opening goal for Stuttgart in the third minute, but Lassoga got the equalizer in the 22nd. Gentner received credit for Stuttgart's second goal in the 37th minute, for a 2-1 halftime lead for the Schwaben.  Beister got the equalizer for Hamburg in the 55th minute, but an own goal by Djourou put Stuttgart in the lead again in the 64th minute.  Van der Vaart scored three minutes later for the 3-3 end score.  Hamburg moves into 15th spot with just nine points, while Stuttgart is in eighth spot.

FC Augsburg vs VFL Wolfsburg   1-2

 Augsburg took the early lead, with Werner's goal in the tenth minute.  Arnold equalized in the 35th and Gustavo gave Wolfsburg the 2-1 halftime lead.  Neither team was able to score in the second half and Wolfsburg was able to hang on to the lead, capturing valuable points away from home. The win moves Wolfsburg into ninth spot. Augsburg drops to 13th spot.

Friday 18 October

1899 Hoffenheim vs Bayer Leverkusen  1-2

Saturday 19 October
 Borussia Dortmund vs Hannover 96        1-0
Bayern München vs FSV Mainz 05        4-1
Werder Bremen vs SC Freiburg        0-0
Eintr. Braunschweig vs Schalke 04      2-3  
Eintracht Frankfurt vs 1. FC Nürnberg    1-1    
Hertha BSC vs Bor. Mönchengladbach    1-0

Sunday 20 October
     Hamburger SV vs VfB Stuttgart        3-3
FC Augsburg vs VfL Wolfsburg     1-2

Place-----Team-----------------------GP---W---D----L---GF/GA ---Pts
1--------FC Bayern Muenchen--------9----7----2-----0------19-4-------23
2--------Borussia Dortmund-----------9----7----1-----1------22:7-------22
3--------Bayer Leverkusen-------------9----7----1-----1------20:9-------22
4------- Hertha BSC Berlin-------------9----4----3-----2-----15:9-------15
5--------FC Schalke 04-----------------9----3----2-----4-----16:20-------14
6--------Borussia M'gladbach----------9----4----1-----4-----19:14-------13
7--------Hannover 96--------------------9----4----1-----4-----11:12-------13
8-------VFB Stuttgart--------------------9----3----3-----3-----19:13-------12
9-------VFL Wolfsburg------------------9----4----0-----5-----11:12-------12
10------Werder Bremen------------------9----3----3-----3------9:12-------12
11------1899 Hoffenheim---------------9----2----4-----3-----21:22--------10
12----- FCAugsburg---------------------9----3----1-----5-----10:17--------10
13------Mainz 05-------------------------9----3----1-----5-----13:21--------10
14-------Eintracht Frankfurt------------9----2----4-----3-----12:14---------10
15------Hamburg-------------------------9----2----3-----4-----21:21----------9
16------1. FC Nürnberg-----------------9-----0----6-----3-----10:18---------6
17------SC Freiburg---------------------9-----0----5-----4------9:18----------5
18------Eintracht Braunschweig-------9-----1----1-----7------7:22----------4

Bundesliga Matchday 9 Preview - Lead Trio in a tight race

After the World Cup qualifying break last week, in which "Die Mannschaft"  won its match against Northern Ireland 3-1 and Sweden 5-3, all eyes are back on the Bundesliga.  The top trio, Bayern Muenchen, Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen is six points ahead of the pack, which led by Gladbach, ahead of Hannover and Berlin.

Leverkusen kicks off the matchday at Hoffenheim on Friday evening and should be able to capture the three points in Sinsheim.  Don't discount Hoffenheim though, with a 3+ goal average in the Bundesliga in eight matchdays, Hoffenheim games have yielded the most goals.  Will this trend continue?

On Saturday second placed Dortmund, one point behind Bayern, travels to fifth placed Hannover.  Juergen Klopp's Borussen will want to keep pace with Bayern, especially on their home pitch.  Dortmund has the clear advantage over Hannover, which would be happy to gain one point in Dortmund.

Bayern Muenchen host Mainz 05, which has only won three of their eight starts.  Bayern remains the only team in the league without a loss.  Can the Bavarians make it nine?  The odds are in their favour in the Allianz arena.  With Schweinsteiger back in form, it will be interesting to see how Pep Guardiola mans his team.  Will Thomas Mueller, once again be in the striker role, or will he move to the midfield in favour of Mandzukic?  Mainz will likely close up its defence and bounce on the Munich defence with quick counters.  While Munich has the possession game down to a fine science, it has lacked in the scoring department.  Will this be the game where Bayern's scorers explode?

Braunschweig faces Schalke 04.  The newly promoted Eintracht finally picked up a win, but can it record its second one against Schalke.  Schalke seems to have improved over the past few games and a win would place them into the top six and closer to the leaders.  This is certainly something for the Knappen to aim for.

SC Freiburg, with one of its worst starts into the season with four draws and four losses, will be battling Werder Bremen, which is currently in eighth spot.  This is another challenge for the Freiburg club.  Werder Bremen should be the favourite.

Eintracht Frankfurt with just nine points is currently in the bottom third of the league and will be traveling to Franken to meet Nuernberg, which currently is only in 16th spot.  Frankfurt should be the favourite, but Nuernberg can never be written off at home.

The two remaining matches will be played on Sunday, with seventh placed Stuttgart traveling to Hamburg, which holds 15th spot.  This match could go either way.  The second match on Sunday is between FC Augsburg and VFL Wolfsburg.  Augsburg has been strong at home.  Wolfsburg has lost 5 of its first eight starts.  Will Augsburg continue its march forward?

Regardless of the results this should be another goal filled weekend, with sold out venues.  


Friday 18 October 1899 Hoffenheim vs Bayer Leverkusen  1-2

Saturday 19 October
     Borussia Dortmund vs Hannover 96        
Bayern München vs FSV Mainz 05        
Werder Bremen vs SC Freiburg        
Eintr. Braunschweig vs Schalke 04        
Eintracht Frankfurt vs 1. FC Nürnberg        
Hertha BSC vs Bor. Mönchengladbach    

Sunday 20 October
     Hamburger SV vs VfB Stuttgart        
FC Augsburg vs VfL Wolfsburg   

Place-----Team-----------------------GP---W---D----L---GF/GA ---Pts

1--------Bayer Leverkusen-------------9----7----1-----1------20:9-------22
2--------FC Bayern Muenchen--------8----6----2-----0------15-3-------20
3--------Borussia Dortmund-----------8----6----1-----1------21:7-------19
4--------Borussia M'gladbach----------8----4----1-----3-----19:13-------13
5--------Hannover 96--------------------8----4----1-----3-----11:11------13
6------- Hertha BSC Berlin-------------8----3----3-----2-----14:9--------12
7-------VFB Stuttgart--------------------8----3----2-----3-----16:10-------11 
8-------Werder Bremen------------------8----3----2-----3------9:12--------11
9-------FC Schalke 04-------------------8----2----2-----4-----13:18--------11
10------1899 Hoffenheim---------------9----2----4-----3-----21:22--------10
11------Mainz 05-------------------------8----3----1-----4-----12:17--------10
12----- FCAugsburg---------------------8----3----1-----4-------9:15--------10
13-------Eintracht Frankfurt------------8----2----3-----3-----11:13----------9
14-------VFL Wolfsburg-----------------8---3----0-----5-------9:11----------9
15------Hamburg-------------------------8----2----2-----4-----18:18----------8
16------1. FC Nürnberg-----------------8-----0----5-----3------9:17----------5
17------SC Freiburg---------------------8-----0----4-----4------9:18----------4
18------Eintracht Braunschweig-------8-----1----1-----6------5:19----------4

Canada: Veterans want Minister of Veterans Affairs removed

Based on recent comments made by Minister of Veterans Affairs, combined with a decision by the federal government to launch an appeal against a B.C. Supreme Court decision in favour of Veterans, Canadian veterans want the Minister of Veterans Affairs removed.

The Canadian government passed the New Veterans Charter (NVC) in Parliament in 2006. One of the major contentions for veterans was the introduction of a one time lump sum payment in lieu of a lifetime pension. A group of veterans took the federal government to court in order to get the courts approval to sue the government. The B.C. Supreme Court ruled that the veterans could go ahead and sue the government. Read More

Bundesliga: Matchday 8 roundup - Dortmund/Bayern swap top spot

Matchday 8 provided all the hype that was advertised.  Borussia Dortmund dropped its first match of the season to Gladbach, while Bayer Leverkusen held a dominant Bayern to a draw.  Eintracht Braunschweig won its first match since promotion, defeating Wolfsburg 2-0. 

At the end of the day, the top trio still leads the rest of the pack by six points, with FC Bayern taking up the top of the table with 20 points and Leverkusen with 19 points trails Borussia Dortmund by goal difference only. 

Hannover vs Hertha BSC Berlin  1-1

Hannover took the early lead in the 23rd minute on a corner by Huszti.  Berlin's defence was unable to clear the ball sufficiently and Hosogai headed the ball onto the feet of Christian Schulz, who fired the ball into the net.  While Hannover dominated slightly in the first half, the side did not do enough in the second, but held on to their lead until the 81st minute. Brought on the field a minute before, Ronny scored from a freekick, hitting the top corner of the target.  The draw leaves the two sides hold fifth and sixth spot respectively. 

Schalke 04 vs FC Augsburg 4-1

The guest got the early lead in the tenth minute with Moelder's goal.  After that it was all Schalke with goals by Boateng (16th), Szalai (28th and 78th)  and Mayer topping it off in the 86th for a 4-1 victory for the Royal Blues.  Despite Augsburg good start, a send off of Ragnar Klavan, five minutes after the lead and a penalty conversion by Prince Boateng, gave Schalke the impetus.  Schalke after its early slow start has now 11 points and have moved into eighth spot, while Augsburg sits in 12th.

Borussia Moenchengladbach vs Borussia Dortmund 2-0

No one in their wildest dream would have bet that Dortmund would drop this match in Gladbach.  But thanks to Gladbach's keeper Marc Andre ter Stegen, Gladbach, which placed its emphasis on defence, and worked on quick counters, stayed in the match and eventually won.  After a scoreless first half, Kruse put the hosts ahead 1-0 in the 81st.  To add insult to inury, Dortmund, which defeated Marseille earlier this week collected a second when Raffael hit the back of the net.  Dortmund missed a multitude of opportunities and Reus, Lewandowski and company must be soul searching tonight.  The result drops Dortmund into spot two, one point behind FC Bayern, while Gladbach moved into fourth with 13 points.

VFB Stuttgart vs Werder Bremen 1-1

For the first 15 minutes it was all Stuttgart.  The Schwaben put enormous pressure on Bremen and got the go ahead goal in the sixth minute.  Harnik's third goal of the season came after a corner kick from Maxim, which Daniel Schwaab headed toward the far post, where Martin Harnik one timed it into the net.  After the goal, Stuttgart geared down its attack and Bremen's Petersen was able to get the equalizer in the 37th minute.  In the end the party ended in a 1-1 draw.  Stuttgart drops to seventh spot and Bremen to ninth.

VFL Wolfsburg vs Eintracht Braunschweig  0-2

It took Braunschweig eight matchdays, but the side finally rallied to win its first match since promotion to the Bundesliga.  Wolfburg dominated during a good portion of the match and also had more possession, but when Bellarabi, netted in the 31st minute, Braunschweig made it more difficulty for Wolfsburg to deploy successfully offensively.  In the second half Braunschweig as an equal opponent and looked closer to a two goal lead, rather than a Wolfsburg equalizer.  Kumbella sealed the first victory for Braunschweig in the 86th minute.  Braunschweig has moved to 17th spot with four points, while Wolfsburg is in 13th. 

FSV Mainz 05 vs 1899 Hoffenheim  2-2

Hoffenheim blew away a two goal early lead, (Volland 14th, Firmino 22nd) to settle for a 2-2 draw in Mainz.  Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting narrowed the score to 2-1 in the 82nd minute and Malli got the equalizer for Mainz just  ahead of the final whistle in the 90th minute.  Hoffenheim apparently was too sure of their victory,  but in the end paid the price.  After a superb start with wins in the first three constests, Mainz has slipped to 11th spot.  Hoffenheim remains in tenth.

Bayer Leverkusen vs FC Bayern Muenchen 1-1

This was the most anticipated encounter of this matchday.  With both sides, having won their Champions League matches earlier in the week, top spot in the league was on the line.  Despite complete domination by the Bayern side, the inability to convert this into goals, in the end cost Pep Guardiola's side two points.   Tony Kroos put Bayern ahead in the 29th minute, but Leverkusen's Sidney Sam answered two minutes later with the equalizer.  Levekusen's defence was instrumental in holding of a Bayern onslaught.  In the end Bayer Leverkusen could take away a point, which puts them on even keel with Dortmund.  A draw was enough to put Bayern into top spot with one point ahead of Dortmund.

1.FC Nuernberg vs Hamburger SV  0-5

Hamburg played a more effective game during the first half, but aside from van der Vaart's goal in the first half, the side was unable to capitalize on its domination in the second half the wheels fell off for the Nuernberg side.  Lasoga's hattrick, with goals in the 59th, 62nd and 67th minute was followed by Asian's goal in the 74th.  Murphy's law was in effect for Nuernberg, which couldn't convert a penalty kick in the 89th minute.  Thomas Peckhart's attempt was foiled by Rene Adler to give Hamburg a convincing 5-0 victory.  The win gives Hamburg a three point gap from the relegation zone and Nuernberg remains in 16th spot, still without  a win in eight starts.

SC Freiburg vs Eintracht Frankfurt 1-1

Frankfurt started this match as the stronger side, but Freiburg improved throughout the match and played well for the remainder of the match, but unable to make it count with a goal.   After a scoreless first half, it was Frankfurt that got the first goal in the 64th minute.  Frankfurt was without a shot on goal since the 18th minute, and apparently did not need one to score.  The goal came as a result of Oliver Baumann deflectng a pass with his foot, which bounced to Christian Guenter and ball then bounced off his knee into the net.  Defnitely bad luck.  Hoefler pulled one back for Freiburg in the 85th minute with a header off a corner kick, executed by Schmid.  The tie moves Freiburg into 17th spot,  while Frankfurt moves to 13th. 

Friday October 4

Hannover 96 vs Hertha BSC    1-1

Saturday October 5

Schalke 04 vs FC Augsburg    4-1
M'gladbach vs Borussia Dortmund    2-0
VfB Stuttgart vs Werder Bremen    1-1
VfL Wolfsburg vs E. Braunschweig 0-2   
FSV Mainz vs1899 Hoffenheim  2-2
Bayer Leverkusen vs FC Bayern     1-1

Sunday October 6

Nürnberg vs Hamburger SV 0-5
SC Freiburg - Eintracht Frankfurt  1-1






Place-----Team-----------------------GP---W---D----L---GF/GA ---Pts

1--------FC Bayern Muenchen--------8----6----2-----0------15-3-------20
2--------Borussia Dortmund-----------8----6----1-----1------21:7-------19
3--------Bayer Leverkusen-------------8----6----1-----1------18:8-------19
4--------Borussia M'gladbach----------8----4----1-----3-----19:13-------13
5--------Hannover 96--------------------8----4----1-----3-----11:11------13
6------- Hertha BSC Berlin-------------8----3----3-----2-----14:9--------12
7-------VFB Stuttgart--------------------8----3----2-----3-----16:10-------11 
8-------Werder Bremen------------------8----3----2-----3------9:12--------11
9-------FC Schalke 04-------------------8----2----2-----4-----13:18--------11
10----- FCAugsburg---------------------8----3----1-----4-------9:15-------10
11------1899 Hoffenheim---------------8----2----4-----2-----20:20--------10
12------Mainz 05-------------------------8----3----1-----4-----12:17--------10
13-------Eintracht Frankfurt------------8----2----3-----3-----11:13----------9
14-------VFL Wolfsburg-----------------8---3----0-----5-------9:11----------9
15------Hamburg-------------------------8----2----2-----4-----18:18----------8
16------1. FC Nürnberg-----------------8-----0----5-----3------9:17----------5
17------SC Freiburg---------------------8-----0----4-----4------9:18----------4
18------Eintracht Braunschweig-------8-----1----1-----6------5:19----------4

Bundesliga Matchday 8 Preview - Showdown in Leverkusen

Matchday 8 will test third place Bayer Leverkusen against reigning champion FC Bayern Muenchen.  Leverkusen only trails the front runners Dortmund and Bayern by one point and was the last team to defeat Bayern Munich in the domestic league.

Borussia Moenchengladbach, nine points behind Dortmund will try to defeat Dortmund, which along with Bayern Munich and Leverkusen has won six of their seven starts.  Friday's opener sees Hannover 86 host Hertha BSC Berlin, with the two clubs separated by one point, in  fifth and sixth spot respectively.  Schalke 04, with just one win out of seven starts host FC Augsburg, which currently holds eighth spot.

While the top trio has opened a six point gap over the rest of the field, Leverkusen can make a difference this matchday when they host Bayern Muenchen.  Having won six of their first seven, Leverkusen has the opportunity to become a permanent fixture of the top three.  Leverkusen has scored 17 goals, with Stefan Kiessling and Sidney Sam netting five times each.   FC Bayern has only been scored on twice and can boast the best defence in the league.  Both clubs won their Champions League matches during midweek.  The Bayern machine appeared well oiled, playing beautiful combination soccer. Bayern has won its last 33 league matches, but their last loss came against Leverkusen.   This is no doubt the match of this coming matchday.

VFB Stuttgart takes on Werder Bremen, both teams have won three, tied one and lost three.  It should be a good contest in the Daimler Benz Arena.  Mainz welcomes Hoffenheim, both teams have had their problems. For Mainz it was slide downwards after the first three matches and Hoffenheim has only won two of their matches.  Eintracht Braunschweig is still chasing its first win when they appear in Wolfsburg.   Wolfsburg has won three and lost four and needs a win if the side is to aspire European play next season.

On Sunday 1.FC Nuernberg hosts Hamburger SV.  The Franken are yet to win a game this season, but have had five draws.  Hamburg also sits at five points, with only one win.  This match should be a good fight for three points by either side.

The second Sunday match features Frankfurt at Freiburg.  Both sides are Euro League contenders and Frankfurt won its match 3-0 on Thursday, while Freiburg lost 2-0, with a loss and a draw on their tally sheet.   Freiburg had one of its worst start into the season.  Sitting in 17th spot, the side has yet to register a win, with three draws and four losses.  A good effort by Frankfurt should earn the side three points in the Breisgau.  For Freiburg it is crunch time, before the field gains some distance from the three relegation spots.

Matchday 8 has something for every fan and should define whether Dortmund and Munich can establish domination over the remainder of the league. 

Friday October 4

Hannover 96 vs Hertha BSC    1-1

Saturday October 5

Schalke 04 vs FC Augsburg    4-1
M'gladbach vs Borussia Dortmund    2-0
VfB Stuttgart vs Werder Bremen    1-1
VfL Wolfsburg vs E. Braunschweig 0-2   
FSV Mainz vs1899 Hoffenheim  2-2
Bayer Leverkusen vs FC Bayern     

Sunday October 6

Nürnberg vs Hamburger SV
SC Freiburg - Eintracht Frankfurt 






Place-----Team-----------------------GP---W---D----L---GF/GA ---Pts
1--------Borussia Dortmund-----------8----6----1-----1------21:7-------19
2--------FC Bayern Muenchen--------7----6----1-----0------14-2-------19
3--------Bayer Leverkusen-------------7----6----0-----1------17:7-------18
4--------Borussia M'gladbach----------8----4----1-----3-----19:13-------13
5--------Hannover 96--------------------8----4----1-----3-----11:11------13
6------- Hertha BSC Berlin-------------8----3----3-----2-----14:9--------12
7-------VFB Stuttgart--------------------8----3----2-----3-----16:10-------11 
8-------Werder Bremen------------------8----3----2-----3------9:12-------11
9------FC Schalke 04-------------------8----2----2-----4------13:18--------11
10--------FCAugsburg--------------------8----3----1-----4------9:15------10
11------1899 Hoffenheim--------------- 8----2----4-----2-----20:20------10
 12-------Mainz 05-------------------------8----3----1-----4-----12:17-------10
13------VFL Wolfsburg-----------------8----3----0-----5-------9:11---------9
14-------Eintracht Frankfurt--------------7----2----2-----3-----10:12-------8
15------1. FC Nürnberg------------------7-----0----5-----2-----9:12----------5
16------Hamburg--------------------------7----1----2-----4-----13:18---------5
17------SC Freiburg----------------------7-----0----3-----4------8:17---------3
18------Eintracht Braunschweig--------8-----1----1-----6------5:19---------4

Champions League: Bundesliga Clubs victorious during matchday 2

Germany's Bundesliga clubs did themselves proud during Champions League matchday 2 play.   OnTuesday Borussia Dormund defeated Marseille 3-0 and Schalke despite a poor start in the domestic league defeated FC Basel 1-0.    FC Bayern played at Manchester City and demonstrated real class in its 3-1 victory over City.  Bayer Leverkusen edged out a 2-1 win over Real Sociedad.  While Schalke and Leverkusen struggled to win, there was never much doubt for Dortmund and Bayern.

Bayer Leverkusen stand third in Group A with three points, behind Shakhtar Donetsk and Manchester United  who have four points.  FC Bayern Muenchen leads Group D with six points followed by Manchester City and CKSA Moscow, with three points each.  Schalke leads Group E with three points, followed by Chelsea and FC Basel,with three points, while Borussia Dortmund, with three points, trails Arsenal in Group F, which has won their first two games.

Matchday 3 gets underway on October 22, when Schalke 04 hosts Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund travels to Arsenal.  On October 23 FC Bayern host Pizen, while Leverkusen hosts Shakhtar Donetsk. 
 
Manchester City vs FC Bayern Muenchen 1-3

FC Bayern dominated Manchester City from the start with an excellent possession game and a well thought out strategy.  Bayern had difficulty though to make it pay with a final stroke, missing a multitude of opportunities.  Frank Ribery put Munich on the scoresheet in the seventh minute, after Dante delivered a switch sides pass to the left to Ribery.  While David Alaba moved along the left side to place himself into position, the Frenchman saw a gap in midfield moved to the right and fired the ball into the net, surprising City's keeper Heart.   After the start of the second half Bayern turned up the tempo,which finally paid off when Thomas Mueller and Arjen Robben netted at the hour mark for 3-0 lead.  Alvero Negredo pulled one back for City with ten minutes left.  City put on the heat and Jerome Boateng was redcarded with four and half minutes plus injury time to go.  Despite three minutes added on the Bavarians held on.   Bayern leads Group D with six points.

Bayer Leverkusen vs Real Sociedad 2-1

Bayer Leverkusen took the lead just before the end of the first half, when Rolfes put Bayer on the scoresheet.  Sociedad pulled one back at the 51 minute mark with Veta's goal.  Just as it appeared that the match would end in a draw, Jens Hegeler got the winning goal in injury time.  The win leaves Leverkusen in third spot in Group A, behind Shakhtar Dontesk and Manchester United.

Borussia Dortmund vs Marseille   3-0

Dortmund controlled the match from the beginning, creating several scoring opportunities.  Borussia moved ahead in the 19th minute with Robert Lewandowski's goal.  Marco Reus moved Dortmund ahead 2-0 after 52 minutes and Robert Lewandowski capped off Dortmund's win with his second goal of the night at the 80 minute mark.  With only ten minutes to go, Dortmund easily defended its lead.  Dortmund is in second spot in Group F, with three points, trailing Arsenal.  Arsenal is Dortmund's next challenge later on this month.

FC Basel vs Schalke 04  0-1

 A goal by Julian Draxler in the 54th minute on a corner kick by Aogo secured the 1-0 victory for the Knappen.  FC Basel lost to Chelsea during matchday 1, while Schalke won their second three points after a 3-0 victory over Steau Bucuristi.  The win puts Schalke into the lead of Group E, ahead of Chelsea and FC Basel.