Arminia Bielefeld 4-2 Hansa Rostock

Much like everyone else, I don't look forward to international breaks. Now, don't get me wrong, I like International football, but whom am I to support when it comes to players from Bielefeld? Jorg Böhme hasn't gotten a call up from Germany in a while, Artur Wichniarek remains a mysterious omission from the Polish national team, Abdelaziz Ahanfouf is in a similar situation, and Sibusiso Zuma played for South Africa in August in their match against Scotland, but left in the 14th minute due to poor match fitness. Well, this lack of international stars will at least save Ernst Middendorp from complaining how having so many internationals on his squad means the schedule should be overhauled to fit his whims. But I digress.

I only got to see the first half of the match on Saturday, as activities kept me away from my PC (and all day Sunday for that matter), but I have to say that what I did see wasn't much to see. Both sides seemed entrenched in midfield, and both sides managed two shot apiece, and the only serious effort by Christian Eigler until Bielefeld went up 1-0 on an own goal off of a free kick by Jorg Böhme. It wasn't the first time Bielefeld scored in the game, however, as Christian Eigler scored in the 19th minute, but the goal was called back after the referee said Eigler handled the ball before scoring. Replays showed the call was correct, but denied Eigler a hat trick (more on that later).

The second half, however, was a crazy half of football, with Rostock drawing immediately level in the 46th minute with a Bicycle Kick by Enrico Kern. Rather than folding, Bielefeld inflicted on Hansa what they experienced in their last match against Duisburg. Eigler scored in the 50th and 55th minutes, and Wichniarek put the game out of reach in the 59th minute. Rostock finished up the scoring in the 63rd minute by a brace from Kai Bulow. Even despite that goal, the result was not in doubt as Rostock showed why they're propping up the table with 0 points.

With the win, Bielefeld took second place in the Bundesliga after Eintracht Frankfurt's 2-1 win over Hamburger SV and Bayern Munich's hard-fought 1-1 draw with Schalke. Here's what the top of the table looks like:

(1) Bayern Munich: 3-0-2; 11 Points; +10 Goal Differential
(2 [tie]) Arminia Bielefeld: 3-1-1; 10 Points; +3 Goal Differential
(2 [tie]) Eintracht Frankfurt: 3-1-1; 10 Points; +2 Goal Differential
(4 [tie]) Three teams tied with 9 Points

Champions League Group Stage spot. Let's keep it that way. 

Before the game, however was a special ceremony for defender Marcio Borges, who retired after eight successful seasons with the club. The mercurial defender was a lynch-pin of the back line, and will be missed. Click on the link below for a short tribute to him, as well as his emotional reaction to the ceremony. He will be greatly missed.

Marcio Borges Tribute

Picture of the Week:

Marcio Borges thanks the fans after his retirement ceremony.

Next Week's match: Home vs. Hannover 96 on Wednesday 26 September die Blauen Blog Weekday Special. Woohoo!