Too little consistency for anything countable

“We had big plans after the opening defeat and started with brutal energy,” said Fynn Lakenmacher in the mixed zone, looking back on the initial phase of the game. Lots of high ball wins for SV 98. Always putting the opponent under pressure and even causing danger with well-timed, deep balls. The Lilies achieved all of this at the start of the game. And that’s exactly how the deserved opening goal came about in the seventh minute of the game: winning the ball at the halfway line, a deep pass and a clean and confident finish.

Overall, the Darmstadt team had a strong first 30 minutes. With a lot of power, with a lot of force – without getting into any problems defensively. In this half hour, SV 98 showed its qualities against a self-confident opponent who had already won the opening game in the Berlin Olympic Stadium 2-1 against Hertha BSC. The newly formed team from the Böllenfalltor also made it clear in this phase of the game what potential the team has – good approaches that make you want more and that you can definitely build on. And now for the big “but”.

“Unfortunately we couldn’t keep it up for the whole game,” complained Kai Klefisch, who saw the Paderborn team getting better and better into the game from the end of the first half. Something that should continue after the break. The East Westphalians turned the duel around with three goals. While the Lilies showed exactly the right consistency with their opening goal, they were unable to do so with all three goals they conceded. “If you look at the goals we conceded, all three of us could have defended them with the necessary consistency,” said Torsten Lieberknecht, annoyed. After a powerful final phase in the first half, Paderborn played particularly well in the second half. With their own supporters behind them, the SCP showed the necessary grip and penetration.

And yet the Darmstadt team could have struck back several times. The southern Hessians tried to find an appropriate reaction. But their own evaluation of chances stood in their way. After the 1-1 draw, Lakenmacher had the lead again. Luca Marseiler and Fraser Hornby could also have turned the game around in promising positions. “We could have conceded a goal against Darmstadt at any time,” even Lukas Kwasniok had to admit. A total of 15 shots on goal and the really dangerous opportunities listed underline the impression of the Paderborn head coach, who also observed a Darmstadt team with “a lot of physical force”. As against Düsseldorf (55:45 percent), the Lilies also had the better duel rate (54:46 percent) on their side against the SCP. In any case, the Darmstadt team has the fourth best duel rate in the league after Hanover, Hamburg and Karlsruhe – all teams that started the season with four points – after two match days.

Back to the scene in front of the guest block, which was still well filled with most of the over 700 Lilien fans who had traveled with us even after the final whistle. The Darmstadt supporters in the block were also disappointed with zero points at the start of the season. And yet they honoured their team’s commitment and willingness to fight on the pitch.

Encouragement for a newly formed troop that still has to grow together – as Lakenmacher also emphasised in front of the microphones. “All arms up,” was the announcement from the block. Clapping together. Looking forward together. With a loud “Let’s go, Darmstadt!” Fight and win!” – in which not only fans but also the players took part – the men were bid farewell on Sunday afternoon. The next challenge is already in sight.

Next Sunday (August 18th/3:30pm) the Lilies have to play against Teutonia Ottensen in the first round of the DFB Cup. In the Millerntor Stadium, SV Darmstadt 98 will face a regional league team who will be willing to cause a cup surprise. But the South Hessians want to counter this with “the utmost seriousness,” as Lakenmacher made clear. “We want to decide this thing for ourselves and gain a sense of achievement,” said our number 19.

The Darmstadt team wants to continue to grow together there in Hamburg. The cup game? The best opportunity to ensure a positive change after the two lost league games. Or, as Kai Klefisch summed it up briefly and yet succinctly on Sunday afternoon: “Perhaps this duel can be a small turning point if we leave there with a positive result and take it with us to the 2nd Bundesliga.”