Any given Sunday

The Americans have a saying to describe the NFL, where games largely take place on a Sunday, that is supposed to indicate the competitiveness within that league. “On any given Sunday” any team can beat whoever their opponent happens to be that day. Well in Bundesliga 2 today, the same saying was applicable in Germany.

League leading Hamburger SV travelled to Würzburg to play the home town Kickers, firmly nestled at the foot of the division. HSV have recovered from their wobble in November, which saw them go five without a win and drop out of the promotion places. They seemed to have recovered their form and, at the third time of asking, looked likely to be heading back to the Bundesliga. Meanwhile Kickers, on their third manager of the season, have struggled to adapt to the second flight, having been promoted on the last kick of the last match in July.

Both teams proceeded to throw the form book out of the window this afternoon. Two goals in the first half hour saw the home team deservedly in control of the match. They added to their lead in the 54th minute, which proved sufficient to secure all three points, despite a rally by HSV which saw them pull two goals back in the last twenty minutes, the last of which came shortly before the final whistle.

Würzburg can continue to dream of avoiding relegation. They are now only five points adrift of Eintracht Braunschweig who currently occupy the playoff place in 16th. Meanwhile Hamburg fortuitously cling on to top spot on 42 points. They were fortunate that Bochum, who they lead on goal difference, lost at Aue on Friday. However Holstein Kiel, also on 42 points travel to Greuter Fürth tomorrow night knowing a win or draw will see them past their neighbours.. Their opponents, currently lying fourth with 39 points, could also go top if they were able to win by four goals.

As someone commented this afternoon. “How do you know its Springtime..? It gets warmer, the days get longer and HSV begin to balls up their promotion campaign”. The race to be competing in the Bundesliga in 2021-22 has a few more twist and turns in it yet.