While Jean-Paul Boëtius is battling for World Cup qualification with Suriname and Isac Lidberg is anxiously awaiting news of Sweden's World Cup participation, back home the Bölle Gang is creating a vibrant atmosphere around the Bölle stadium with the 3rd Night Run! You can read about these and other topics in our weekly column "Lilies Across the Board".
Jean-Paul Boëtius and the Suriname national team are on the cusp of a historic moment: For the first time in the country’s history, qualification for a FIFA World Cup is within reach. They even hold their destiny in their own hands. After convincing performances in the qualifying campaign so far, Suriname currently leads their group by a narrow margin – level on points with Panama and just one point ahead of Guatemala.
Boëtius played a crucial role: During the last international break, the SV Darmstadt 98 midfielder provided the assist for the equaliser in stoppage time against Guatemala, securing a vital point for his team.
Now the decisive matches are upon us. On November 13 (11pm, German time), Suriname will host El Salvador at their home ground, the Franklin Essed Stadium, before the potentially decisive clash takes place on November 19 (2am, German time) at the Estadio Manuel Felipe Carrera in Guatemala.
With two good results, Suriname could secure its historic World Cup qualification on its own merit – a success that would make football history for the country.
Isac Lidberg has once again been called up to the Swedish national team. The forward, who made his debut for the „Tre Kronor“ in November 2024, is now in his country’s squad for the second time this season.
However, Sweden’s situation is precarious: After just one point from four games, the team under new coach Graham Potter (in charge since October 20th) is under immense pressure. Switzerland leads the group with ten points, followed by Kosovo (7 points) and Slovenia (3 points). While Sweden is currently in last place, it still has a slim chance of qualifying for the World Championship. Since only the group winners qualify directly and the runners-up can hope for a playoff spot, Sweden’s only option is to go through this additional round – but that will require a minor miracle.
On November 15 (8:45pm), Sweden will face group leaders Switzerland in Geneva. Only a victory for Sweden, coupled with a Slovenian win against Kosovo, will allow the team to hope for a final against Slovenia on November 18th (8:45pm) in Solna. If Sweden also wins there, and Switzerland defeats Kosovo at the same time, Sweden, with Lidberg, could actually secure a playoff spot at the last minute.
Darmstadt’s second team celebrated a convincing victory against SV Erzhausen on Sunday. Deniz Guellueoglu put Darmstadt ahead in the 10th minute. Just four minutes later, the 98ers doubled their lead to 2-0. Shortly before halftime, captain Julian Schreiber took charge, scoring to make it 3-0 at the break.
After the restart, Darmstadt continued to dominate: In the 55th minute, the referee pointed to the penalty spot for Darmstadt. Schreiber stepped up and confidently converted to make it 4-0. Just five minutes later, the captain completed his hat trick, extending the lead to 5-0. Although the hosts managed a consolation goal in the 75th minute, it did nothing to change Darmstadt’s comfortable away win – final score 5-1.
With this victory, the SV Darmstadt 98 fan team secures another three points and now sits in 10th place in the Kreisliga B. Next weekend, the Lilies travel to face league leaders FSV Schneppenhausen. Kick-off is at 3pm on Sunday (November 16th) at Mörfelder Str. 31, 64331 Weiterstadt.
Around 120 participants experienced the stadium in a special evening atmosphere at the third annual lantern parade. Carrying gingerbread men, children’s punch, and colourful lanterns, the illuminated procession wound its way through all the stands. Accompanied by volunteers, traditional Lilies songs were sung together – a rousing finale with „Die Sonne scheint“ rounded off the evening.
Dear Bartosz, SV Darmstadt 98 sends you belated birthday wishes!
We hope you had a wonderful day and enjoyed it! For the new year, we wish you health, success, and many strong performances on the pitch! Last Tuesday (November 11th), the Polish forward for the 98ers celebrated his birthday.
Dear Christopher, the entire SV98 team wishes you all the best on your special day this Sunday (November 16th) – health, happiness, and continued success in your outstanding work as athletic trainer. Thank you for your dedication, passion, and commitment to the Lilies!
Autographs, photos, and personal encounters with the Lilies: You'll have the opportunity to do so on Thursday (May 7th) from 5pm to 6pm. As part of an autograph session presented by Merck, Patric Pfeiffer, Kai Klefisch, and Fynn Lakenmacher will be at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. You'll also receive a ten percent discount in the fan shop during this time.
Darmstadt's 2-1 defeat at Karlsruher SC also ended any remaining theoretical hopes the South Hessian club had of finishing the season in the top three. The loss at the Wildpark stadium served somewhat as a symbol for the past few weeks, during which SV 98 had only managed one point from five matches since the international break in March. Following the game on Sunday afternoon, the Darmstadt players addressed the assembled media representatives with mixed feelings.
Three points! SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team secured a victory in the Lotto Hessenliga on Saturday afternoon (May 2nd). In their match against Hünfelder SV, the young Lilies overcame an early deficit to clinch a convincing 3-1 win. This result puts the U21 team currently outside the relegation zone. "Our trend is clearly upward," said a delighted U21 coach Sebastian Schmitt.
The successful collaboration between the Hessian Disabled and Rehabilitation Sports Association (HBRS) and SV Darmstadt 98 will continue long-term: Both partners have extended their existing agreement to promote inclusive sports indefinitely. This sends a clear signal for the sustainable development of inclusion and disability sports in Hesse.
A bitter end in Karlsruhe: After 90 entertaining minutes in which both teams sought salvation in attack, Darmstadt suffered a narrow defeat. The final score was 2-1 after a late goal from the home side, following Isac Lidberg's earlier equaliser. After the match, the players were particularly frustrated with the missed opportunities in the first half.
The away form continues to be poor: SV 98 suffered a 2-1 (0-0) defeat against Karlsruher SC. Lidberg scored the equaliser for the team from southern Hesse in the 70th minute.
Darmstadt 98 visit Karlsruher SC on matchday 32 (May 3rd, 1:30 PM). Florian Kohfeldt has made five changes to his starting lineup. Killian Corredor replaces the injured Fraser Hornby, Aleksandar Vukotic comes in for the suspended Patric Pfeiffer, and Fabian Holland starts in place of Matej Maglica, who is sidelined with an ankle injury. Merveille Papela and Niklas Schmidt also join the team, replacing Sergio Lopez and Yosuke Furukawa. In addition to Hornby, Pfeiffer, and Maglica, Darmstadt will also be without the injured Matthias Bader, Fabian Nürnberger, and Luca Marseiler.
Finally, the weekend is here, finally Sunday! On Sunday afternoon (May 3rd, 1:30pm), SV Darmstadt 98 will face Karlsruher SC away. What do the two coaches have to say about the match, who will be refereeing, and where can you watch it if you're not at the stadium? All the important information about the Lilies' 32nd matchday is compiled for you here in "Matchday Guide".
Continuity in sporting management: SV Darmstadt 98 has extended Paul Fernie's contract early and for the long term. As part of the contract extension, the current sporting director will move into the club's management board and will now serve as managing director of sport.
Our head coach spoke at the press conference before the away game against Karlsruher SC (May 3rd/1:30pm) about the mental freshness of his team, the course of action for the remaining games and his coaching colleague, whose commitment to KSC will end after six years this season.
Left hook, 'One hundred and eightyyyyyyy', and hand over the baton. Doesn't sound like football – and that's true. KSC is often associated with professional football, but with the sheer number of titles the club has won, it's worth looking beyond the pitch. Titles from Baden-Württemberg to Rome.
In a rescheduled Lotto Hessenliga match, SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team hosted SV Hummetroth at their youth academy on Wednesday evening (April 29th) but unfortunately came away empty-handed. Despite a spirited performance and playing with one man less, the score after 90 minutes was 3-1 in favour of Hummetroth.