Foto: SV 98 10.11.2025 / English
Two Lilies on an international mission
Jean-Paul Boëtius and Isac Lidberg are facing crucial stages of World Cup qualifying with their national teams. While Boëtius and Suriname have a good chance of securing the country's first-ever World Cup appearance, our number seven and Sweden need almost a minor football miracle to keep their dream of the 2026 World Cup alive. This article provides all the information on these two SV 98 internationals.
Suriname's starting point
For Jean-Paul Boëtius and the Suriname national team, crucial days lie ahead. Days that could bring a historic milestone. For the first time in their history, the team has the chance to qualify for a FIFA World Cup. The starting position is promising: The SV 98 number ten already played a key role in their success during the last international break.
In the first match against Guatemala, Boëtius provided the assist for the equaliser in stoppage time, making it 1-1. This secured Suriname a point, ensuring that despite a draw in their subsequent match, they remain at the top of the group. However, the situation remains incredibly tight: Panama is level on points with six and an identical goal difference, making them their closest pursuer. Guatemala (5 points) is also close behind, while El Salvador sits at the bottom of the table with three points.
The decision will be made on the last matchday
The group winners of this final qualifying round qualify directly for the World Cup finals, while the two best-placed runners-up advance to the FIFA playoff tournament.
Now, the two final matches of this qualifying phase are upon us: On Thursday (November 13, 11pm CET), Suriname hosts El Salvador at the Franklin Essed Stadium. Even a victory, however, would not guarantee qualification. All eyes are therefore on the second and likely decisive match on Wednesday (November 19, 2am CET) at the Estadio Manuel Felipe Carrera in Guatemala.
Boëtius and Suriname have a historic opportunity to secure World Cup qualification for the first time, and they can do so on their own merit despite the tight standings.
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 Sweden's World Cup qualification in danger
Isac Lidberg has once again been called up to the Swedish national team. After the forward first joined the „Tre Kronor“ (Three Crowns) in November 2024, he is now in the squad for the second consecutive season.
However, Sweden’s qualification for the World Cup is in serious jeopardy. With only one point from four games, Graham Potter’s team, who took over on October 20th, needs help from their rivals. Switzerland leads the group with ten points, Kosovo follows in second place with seven, and Slovenia sits in third with three.
New coach, a small miracle?
The winners of each group qualify directly for the World Cup, while the runners-up have the chance to secure a ticket via the UEFA playoff tournament. With a nine-point deficit to Switzerland, Sweden can no longer qualify directly and must rely on the playoff route. The new man on the sidelines is now tasked with making this minor miracle happen.
This coming Saturday (November 15th, 8:45pm), they face Switzerland at the Stade de Genève in Geneva. Only a victory against the group leaders, coupled with a Slovenian win against Kosovo, will give Sweden a chance to advance on the final matchday – Tuesday (November 18th, 8:45pm) against Slovenia at their home ground, the Friends Arena in Solna. If Sweden wins that match as well, Switzerland would need to win their parallel game against Kosovo for Lidberg and his Swedish team to secure second place and thus a spot in the playoff tournament.
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.