Germany round-up: Stuttgart back in business
Sunday, March 2, 2003
Article summary
VfB Stuttgart recovered from midweek disappointment to move up to third place in the Bundesliga.
Article body
VfB Stuttgart stepped up their challenge for a place in next season's UEFA Champions League with a 1-0 win at DSC Arminia Bielefeld that moved them up into third place in the 1. Bundesliga.
Well-struck shot
Stuttgart shrugged off their midweek disappointment, when they were knocked out of the UEFA Cup by Celtic FC, with a 15th-minute goal from midfield player Silvio Meissner from the edge of the penalty area proving enough for the four-time German champions.
Further blow for Hertha
In Sunday’s only other game, Hertha BSC Berlin, who were also eliminated from the UEFA Cup on Thursday, slipped to a 1-0 defeat at Hamburger SV. Defender Nico-Jan Hoogma headed the only goal of the game from a free-kick after 55 minutes, to seal a narrow win that moved Hamburg up to fifth in the standings.
Ballack boost for Bayern
The result was a blow for Hertha's European hopes, as they dropped one place to seventh. Leaders FC Bayern München stayed ten points clear at the top with a 2-0 victory at FC Energie Cottbus on Saturday thanks to two Michael Ballack goals.
