05.05.2025 / English
HSV Analysis: Set Pieces a Crucial Point
A 4 -0 defeat. This decisive result was displayed on the scoreboard at the Merck Stadium after the final whistle. After four consecutive home wins, SV 98 finally suffered a decisive defeat to Hamburger SV on Saturday afternoon (May 3). The decisive factor in the defeat in a largely evenly matched game was two set pieces, which HSV used to score their first two goals. In our analysis, we look back at a match that could have taken a different direction, especially in the opening stages.
Scene of the matchday:
The goal that made it 1-0: „The goal conceded changed the dynamics of the game in everyone’s minds,“ explained Florian Kohfeldt, referring to the deficit in the 23rd minute. Up to that point, the Lilies had not only dominated the game, but also created good chances to take the lead themselves. Killian Corredor, Fabian Nürnberger, and Isac Lidberg could have put the South Hesse side in front, but they missed their chances.
The Hanseatic League’s 1-0 goal from a corner kick prompted a lot of self-criticism from the Lilies, who had done a really good job defensively from set pieces so far this season. „We defended poorly,“ explained Fabian Nürnberger, who took responsibility for himself and for the goal conceded by his opponent Ludovit Reis.
With the lead behind them, HSV not only gained confidence, but Kohfeldt also recognized a „very clever style of play“ from the Hanseatic League. The Hamburg team sat relatively deep and waited for counterattacks. A game plan that Merlin Polzin’s team followed from the start, and the 1-0 lead logically played into their hands. It’s pointless to speculate how the game would have developed had the Lilies taken the lead themselves. Thus, HSV’s opening goal became a key moment for the rest of the game.
This went well:
Commitment and determination. Of course, these things should be basic requirements in every football match. And yet, the enthusiasm and courage with which the Lilies played from the start was not a given. While HSV needs every point to achieve its big dream of promotion, SV 98 has planning security for another season in the 2. Bundesliga. However, there was no sign of a decline in Florian Kohfeldt’s team. „If there had been no excitement, we would never have started the game so well,“ Fabian Nürnberger rightly concluded, echoing Paul Fernie, who explained: „We’re obviously disappointed with the result. But I saw a team with a lot of energy that also went into every challenge. It wasn’t due to a lack of greed.“
Even after the 2-0 deficit, SV 98 fought back against the impending defeat. Kohfeldt praised this attitude at the press conference: „We tried until the very last moment to get back into the game. That speaks volumes about the team.“
Earned respect. HSV’s style of play at the Merck Stadium could certainly be seen as a compliment to the Lilies. „We knew it was extremely challenging to defend the kind of football Darmstadt plays. We noticed that again today. The overloaded centre and the movement out of the centre – it’s extremely difficult to put pressure on them.“ With these words, HSV head coach Merlin Polzin explained his team’s rather defensive approach, which was also reflected in the match statistics. SV 98 recorded 63 percent possession on Saturday afternoon against an opponent who has the second-highest ball possession rate in the league so far this season. Both Kohfeldt and Fernie therefore saw the South Hesse side largely in control, but with the exception of the opening stages, they lacked any truly compelling scoring opportunities. Nevertheless, the Lilies have earned a certain amount of respect in the league with their football and are confident enough to play dominant football against any opponent. However, they still too often lack efficiency in front of goal against opponents who sit deep.
Quote of the Day:
"Conceding two goals from set pieces is totally unusual for us. Those two goals decided the game."
That didn't go well:
The two set-piece goals. „Those two things decided the game.“ With these words from Florian Kohfeldt, we could almost end this passage. In a match on equal terms, two corner kicks put HSV on the road to victory. Both Reis (23′) and Königsdörffer (58′) found the net from close range. „We lost our position on the first set piece, and we didn’t get a chance to double up on the second,“ Kohfeldt summarised, looking back at the two incidents, adding: „That has nothing to do with ‚the opponent played us in.'“
The Lilien head coach also placed the double strike from a set piece in the overall context of the season so far: „That’s totally unusual for us. We’ll look at it in detail, not just brush it aside and address it critically. These are game-deciding situations. That’s a shame, because up until then we’ve been very good at defensive set pieces this season.“
The remaining defence in the final phase. This point can be viewed in several different ways. It’s to the Lilies‘ credit that they tried everything until the final whistle to get back into the game. Accordingly, SV 98 positioned their entire team high and shifted the play almost entirely into the opponent’s half. That this increased their vulnerability to counterattacks was inevitable. And yet, Hamburg’s transitional moves could have been defended better. „We lost our man-marking in the box for both goals. Those are basics,“ explained Kohfeldt, who also noted: „HSV played well.“
Merck Autograph Session: With Pfeiffer, Klefisch and Lakenmacher
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.
Disappointment & pride
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.
Merx hat trick: U21 deservedly wins at Hünfelder SV
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.
HBRS and SV 98: Cooperation extended indefinitely
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.
„We must take the lead in the first half.“
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.
Lilies lose in Karlsruhe
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.
Team News: Five Changes in the Team
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.
Matchday Guide: All Information before KSC Game
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".
Paul Fernie extends his contract long-term and moves up to a management position.
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.
„You’ve seen horses vomit before.“
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.
Opposition Check: Karlsruher SC
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.
U21: A Herculean effort whilst down to 10 men wasn’t enough
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.