Podolski brace
October 16, 2011
German national team striker Lukas Podolski struck twice to give Cologne a 2-0 victory over Hanover on Sunday. For Hanover, who have carried over their strong finish last season into the first few weeks of the new term, it was the first defeat in six matches.
Both teams went into the match with something to prove. Hanover were looking to avenge last season's embarrassing 4-0 defeat in Cologne, while the home side were looking to make their fans forget a 3-0 drubbing against Hertha in their last outing in Berlin.
The two teams started out cautiously, with no major goalmouth action coming until the 24th minute after a foul. Then Podolski, who was playing as the lone striker in the absence of the injured Milivoje Novakovic, smashed a free kick taken from 25 meters (27 yards) out past Hanover's keeper, Ron-Robert Zieler.
Later in the first half and during the second period, Hanover created a number of chances but were unable to score. Sergio Pinto did find the back of the net in the 70th minute, but referee Jochen Drees called it back for offside.
Podolski put away his second in the 86th minute to make it a 2-0 final. The victory moved Cologne up to 10th place in the standings, six points above the relegation zone.
Hamburg take the points
In Sunday's early kick-off Hamburg earned just their second victory of the Bundesliga season by defeating fellow strugglers Freiburg 2-1.
South Korean national team striker Heung-Min Son's headed goal put Hamburg in front in the 12th minute.
Freiburg got the equalizer shortly after the break, as Papiss Demba Cisse found the back of the back of the net in the 47th minute.
Hamburg's new signing, Ivo Ilcevic, who returned to action after having served a ban due to a red card, got what turned out to be the winning goal in the 73rd minute.
Just eight minutes later, though, the home team had the chance to even the score after Stefan Reisinger was fouled by Jeffrey Bruma in the area.
However, Cisse, who already has seven goals to his name this season, failed to convert from the penalty spot.
Despite the victory, Hamburg remain bottom of the table, behind Augsburg and Freiburg – all three have seven points.
New coach waiting in the wings
Sunday's appearance on the bench was a one-off for Hamburg's interim coach and technical director Frank Arnesen. On Monday, Hamburg are to officially introduce former Bayern Munich player and Basel coach Thorsten Fink as their new bench boss.
Following their 4-0 win over Hertha Berlin on Saturday, Bayern Munich remain top of the table, five points ahead of the surprise team of the season, Borussia Mönchengladbach, who drew 2-2 at home to Leverkusen.
Author: Chuck Penfold (SID, dpa)
Editor: Nicole Goebel