GOAL
"GOAL!" - The Bundesliga magazine
"GOAL! The Bundesliga Magazine" is the DFL's worldwide TV programme, offering an international audience a unique weekly perspective on German football. There are in-depth previews of the upcoming league action, exclusive interviews and much more besides. For bundesliga.de users, it's a great way to check up on your favourite stars. Here's a taster of what's on offer week-for-week.
Bundesliga
Heading for a tight finish >
The 2009-10 Bundesliga title race has the makings of a three-horse affair as it prepares to head down the final straight. Here's a look at how the leading trio compare in terms of the statistics at this stage.
The 2009-10 Bundesliga title race has the makings of a three-horse affair as it prepares to head down the final straight. Here's a look at how the leading trio compare in terms of the statistics at this stage.
Bundesliga
Van Gaal system up and running >
FC Bayern have been in great form of late, in stark contrast to their below-par showings at the start of the season. Coach Louis van Gaal took a few months to find his winning combination, but for the fans it has turned out to be well worth the wait.
FC Bayern have been in great form of late, in stark contrast to their below-par showings at the start of the season. Coach Louis van Gaal took a few months to find his winning combination, but for the fans it has turned out to be well worth the wait.
Bundesliga
A much-travelled man >
Aristide Bancé has been spearheading the FSV Mainz frontline to great effect since joining the club in the summer of 2008. Before landing in Germany however, the 25-year-old Burkina Faso international had racked up plenty of mileage elsewhere.
Aristide Bancé has been spearheading the FSV Mainz frontline to great effect since joining the club in the summer of 2008. Before landing in Germany however, the 25-year-old Burkina Faso international had racked up plenty of mileage elsewhere.
Bundesliga
Battle of the sharpshooters >
The race for the top of the individual goalscoring chart is as wide open as it has been for many a Bundesliga season. Here's a look at the state of play as the 2009-10 league campaign gears up for the final stretch.
The race for the top of the individual goalscoring chart is as wide open as it has been for many a Bundesliga season. Here's a look at the state of play as the 2009-10 league campaign gears up for the final stretch.
Bundesliga
Ten things about Mark van Bommel >
The Bayern München skipper has racked up100 appearances in the German top flight. Here are a few bits and pieces about the dynamic Dutch midfielder, who knows where he wants to end his playing career, but still has plenty on his plate at Bayern.
The Bayern München skipper has racked up100 appearances in the German top flight. Here are a few bits and pieces about the dynamic Dutch midfielder, who knows where he wants to end his playing career, but still has plenty on his plate at Bayern.
Bundesliga
Rivals on an upward curve >
Schalke meet Borussia Dortmund in the big Ruhr district derby on matchday 24. Both clubs are going well in the league and their Bundesliga head-to-head record couldn't be closer. So how do they shape up comparatively in some key positions?
Schalke meet Borussia Dortmund in the big Ruhr district derby on matchday 24. Both clubs are going well in the league and their Bundesliga head-to-head record couldn't be closer. So how do they shape up comparatively in some key positions?
Bundesliga
Ruud van Nistelrooy: goalscorer supreme >
Hamburg's signing of Ruud van Nistelrooy was far and away the biggest story of the winter transfer period. And the veteran Dutch forward star has wasted little time proving that he has not lost his touch when it comes to hitting the back of the net. A few facts about him.
Hamburg's signing of Ruud van Nistelrooy was far and away the biggest story of the winter transfer period. And the veteran Dutch forward star has wasted little time proving that he has not lost his touch when it comes to hitting the back of the net. A few facts about him.
Bundesliga
Trio gunning for the title >
Leverkusen and FC Bayern are neck-and-neck, Schalke waiting to pounce just behind them. So who, at this stage, has the best prospects of lifting the championship plate come the end of the season? A look at the statistics.
Leverkusen and FC Bayern are neck-and-neck, Schalke waiting to pounce just behind them. So who, at this stage, has the best prospects of lifting the championship plate come the end of the season? A look at the statistics.
Bundesliga
In the fast lane to the top >
No-one has contributed more to Bayer Leverkusen's unexpected title bid this season than Toni Kroos. Here's a look at the midfield prodigy, who is set to return to FC Bayern this summer when his 18-month loan deal comes to an end.
No-one has contributed more to Bayer Leverkusen's unexpected title bid this season than Toni Kroos. Here's a look at the midfield prodigy, who is set to return to FC Bayern this summer when his 18-month loan deal comes to an end.
History
Coaching legend turns 75 >
In addition to his numerous successes on the domestic front, Udo Lattek is one of only two coaches to have won a clean sweep of UEFA's three former European club trophies. A pictorial look at the career of one of Germany's best-ever coaches.
In addition to his numerous successes on the domestic front, Udo Lattek is one of only two coaches to have won a clean sweep of UEFA's three former European club trophies. A pictorial look at the career of one of Germany's best-ever coaches.
Bundesliga
Pushing the right buttons at Stuttgart >
Christian Gross took over as coach at Stuttgart in early December, after the club parted company with Markus Babbel. The former FC Basel supremo's effect has been immediate and dramatic, and VfB are starting to look again towards the top end of the table.
Christian Gross took over as coach at Stuttgart in early December, after the club parted company with Markus Babbel. The former FC Basel supremo's effect has been immediate and dramatic, and VfB are starting to look again towards the top end of the table.
Bundesliga
New faces, new challenges >
The mid-season transfer window has closed and as ever there have been some notable transactions. Here's a look at some of the more prominent names moving between clubs in Germany and into the league from elsewhere.
The mid-season transfer window has closed and as ever there have been some notable transactions. Here's a look at some of the more prominent names moving between clubs in Germany and into the league from elsewhere.
Bundesliga
Van the Man lines up new goal >
Hamburger SV's acquisition of Ruud van Nistelrooy from Real Madrid is one of the biggest transfer stories of recent seasons in the Bundesliga. GOAL! reports on the coup and here, as a taster, is a pictorial look at this world-class striker's career to date.
Hamburger SV's acquisition of Ruud van Nistelrooy from Real Madrid is one of the biggest transfer stories of recent seasons in the Bundesliga. GOAL! reports on the coup and here, as a taster, is a pictorial look at this world-class striker's career to date.
Bundesliga
Heading for the very top >
Within the space of a couple of seasons Edin Dzeko has progressed from virtual unknown to Bundesliga superstar. Here are a few interesting facts plucked from the 23-year-old Wolfsburg forward's rapidly-evolving CV.
Within the space of a couple of seasons Edin Dzeko has progressed from virtual unknown to Bundesliga superstar. Here are a few interesting facts plucked from the 23-year-old Wolfsburg forward's rapidly-evolving CV.
Bundesliga
Classic duel in Bremen >
Bayern München travel north for the meeting with their old adversaries in fine fettle, on a five-game winning streak in the league. Werder have themselves lost three in a row, but they still have a record few can match against Bayern in recent seasons
Bayern München travel north for the meeting with their old adversaries in fine fettle, on a five-game winning streak in the league. Werder have themselves lost three in a row, but they still have a record few can match against Bayern in recent seasons
History
Coaching legend turns 75 >
Udo Lattek picked up 14 major titles in the course of a long and illustrious career. In honour of the great coach's 75th birthday, GOAL! looks back on his brief return to the game in 2000, when he was tasked with saving Borussia Dortmund from the drop.
Udo Lattek picked up 14 major titles in the course of a long and illustrious career. In honour of the great coach's 75th birthday, GOAL! looks back on his brief return to the game in 2000, when he was tasked with saving Borussia Dortmund from the drop.
Bundesliga
Action aplenty on the cards in season re-opener >
Bayern München host 1899 Hoffenheim in first Bundesliga game of 2010 and if the three previous meetings between the two sides are anything to go by, the fans in the Allianz Arena can expect a fast-paced and thoroughly entertaining encounter.
Bayern München host 1899 Hoffenheim in first Bundesliga game of 2010 and if the three previous meetings between the two sides are anything to go by, the fans in the Allianz Arena can expect a fast-paced and thoroughly entertaining encounter.
Bundesliga
Hoping for a turnaround in Wolfsburg >
The champions have been defending their title in underwhelming fashion so far, but midfielder Christian Gentner - who will be leaving them for his former club Stuttgart in the summer - says they remain focussed on challenging for a place in Europe.
The champions have been defending their title in underwhelming fashion so far, but midfielder Christian Gentner - who will be leaving them for his former club Stuttgart in the summer - says they remain focussed on challenging for a place in Europe.
Bundesliga
Back on track in Mönchengladbach >
Michael Frontzeck has whipped Borussia back into shape after a five-in-a-row losing streak, and the Foals go into the mid-season break with a comfortable points cushion to build on.
Michael Frontzeck has whipped Borussia back into shape after a five-in-a-row losing streak, and the Foals go into the mid-season break with a comfortable points cushion to build on.
Bundesliga
At home in Hamburg >
David Jarolim is a mainstay of the HSV midfield and if it's up to him, the Czech international will be playing for the northern city club for some time to come.
David Jarolim is a mainstay of the HSV midfield and if it's up to him, the Czech international will be playing for the northern city club for some time to come.
Bundesliga
Battle of the big guns in Bremen >
Werder take on Schalke 04 in the top matchday 16 encounter - a meeting of second and third. Here's a comparative look at how players in key positions at each of the two teams is shaping up.
Werder take on Schalke 04 in the top matchday 16 encounter - a meeting of second and third. Here's a comparative look at how players in key positions at each of the two teams is shaping up.
Bundesliga
A back-to-front success story >
Albert Bunjaku has had a rapid rise to prominence with his goalscoring feats for 1. FC Nürnberg this season, but he was a relatively late convert to the front line. Here are some interesting facts on the freshly-baked Swiss international.
Albert Bunjaku has had a rapid rise to prominence with his goalscoring feats for 1. FC Nürnberg this season, but he was a relatively late convert to the front line. Here are some interesting facts on the freshly-baked Swiss international.
Bundesliga
Classic encounter from days of yore >
Bayern München and Borussia Mönchengladbach were engaged in a decade-long battle for Bundesliga supremacy throughout the 1970s and their meetings still evoke memories of great games from times past.
Bayern München and Borussia Mönchengladbach were engaged in a decade-long battle for Bundesliga supremacy throughout the 1970s and their meetings still evoke memories of great games from times past.
Bundesliga
"I can't complain about a lack of work" >
After spending most of the past 50 years serving Bayern München in one capacity or another, Franz Beckenbauer has stepped down as club president. Der Kaiser still has plenty to keep him occupied however.
After spending most of the past 50 years serving Bayern München in one capacity or another, Franz Beckenbauer has stepped down as club president. Der Kaiser still has plenty to keep him occupied however.
Bundesliga
Expectations on the rise in Bremen >
After a league campaign marred by inconsistency last season, Werder Bremen are looking a different proposition altogether this time around. Coach Thomas Schaaf is certainly satisfied with the way things are going at the moment.
After a league campaign marred by inconsistency last season, Werder Bremen are looking a different proposition altogether this time around. Coach Thomas Schaaf is certainly satisfied with the way things are going at the moment.
Bundesliga
The man with the golden heel >
Bundesliga top scorer last season, Grafite hit a bit of a form dip at the start of this one. His coach packed him off home for a week, "to clear his head", and it seems to have done the trick. Here are a few interesting facts about the Wolfsburg striker.
Bundesliga top scorer last season, Grafite hit a bit of a form dip at the start of this one. His coach packed him off home for a week, "to clear his head", and it seems to have done the trick. Here are a few interesting facts about the Wolfsburg striker.
Bundesliga
Still searching for the winning formula >
Louis van Gaal has put a number of different players, and systems, to the test in the opening third of the league season, but consistency still eludes FC Bayern.
Louis van Gaal has put a number of different players, and systems, to the test in the opening third of the league season, but consistency still eludes FC Bayern.
Bundesliga
Man of many parts >
An offbeat look at Dortmund coach Jürgen Klopp ahead of the matchday 13 reunion with his former club Mainz - an occasion he is very much looking forward to.
An offbeat look at Dortmund coach Jürgen Klopp ahead of the matchday 13 reunion with his former club Mainz - an occasion he is very much looking forward to.
History
When the wall came down... >
This week marks the 20th anniversary of the first opening of the Berlin Wall by the government of the then-German Democratic Republic. The move made headline news around the world and of course it impacted too on the favourite sport of the soon-to-be-reunified nation.
This week marks the 20th anniversary of the first opening of the Berlin Wall by the government of the then-German Democratic Republic. The move made headline news around the world and of course it impacted too on the favourite sport of the soon-to-be-reunified nation.
Bundesliga
Key encounters in top game >
FC Bayern host Schalke 04 in what promises to be a matchday 12 cracker. Which individual duels could potentially have a decisive influence on the outcome of the clash between the inconsistent record champions and the battling Royal Blues?
FC Bayern host Schalke 04 in what promises to be a matchday 12 cracker. Which individual duels could potentially have a decisive influence on the outcome of the clash between the inconsistent record champions and the battling Royal Blues?
Bundesliga
Man for late-seasons >
Hannover 96 playmaker Arnold Bruggink has established something of a reputation as a slow starter, who only really gets into his stride after the league's winter break. Here are a few more interesting facts on the Dutch midfielder.
Hannover 96 playmaker Arnold Bruggink has established something of a reputation as a slow starter, who only really gets into his stride after the league's winter break. Here are a few more interesting facts on the Dutch midfielder.
Bundesliga
Crossing the Bavarian-Swabian divide >
They are the two leading powerhouses of the south: Bayern München and VfB Stuttgart. Bayern summer signing Mario Gomez is just the latest in a line of players to have experienced life on the books at both of these long-established rivals.
They are the two leading powerhouses of the south: Bayern München and VfB Stuttgart. Bayern summer signing Mario Gomez is just the latest in a line of players to have experienced life on the books at both of these long-established rivals.
Bundesliga
Magath's coaching curve >
Felix Magath has wasted no time working the old winning magic at Schalke 04. Here's an overview of his rise to the top as a coach.
Felix Magath has wasted no time working the old winning magic at Schalke 04. Here's an overview of his rise to the top as a coach.
Bundesliga
Skibbe leads Eintracht Renaissance >
Eintracht Frankfurt have made an impressive start to the season under Michael Skibbe. The new coach wants results of course - but he wants to achieve them in style as well.
Eintracht Frankfurt have made an impressive start to the season under Michael Skibbe. The new coach wants results of course - but he wants to achieve them in style as well.
Bundesliga
Kießling in the limelight >
Stefan Kießling has operated as the foil to more than one big-name forward partner since joining Bayer Leverkusen. At the moment though, the striker is making headlines in his own right.
Stefan Kießling has operated as the foil to more than one big-name forward partner since joining Bayer Leverkusen. At the moment though, the striker is making headlines in his own right.
Bundesliga
Efficiency and fighting spirit >
It may not be pretty, but it's pretty effective: Schalke 04 are grinding out the results under new coach Felix Magath. What is the secret of his success?
It may not be pretty, but it's pretty effective: Schalke 04 are grinding out the results under new coach Felix Magath. What is the secret of his success?
Bundesliga
Ready, steady, Mainz! >
1. FSV Mainz have been the early surprise package of the season. Widely predicted to struggle, the newly-promoted side instead find themselves in the upper reaches of the table. So what is behind their strong form so far? A few statistics may prove enlightening.
1. FSV Mainz have been the early surprise package of the season. Widely predicted to struggle, the newly-promoted side instead find themselves in the upper reaches of the table. So what is behind their strong form so far? A few statistics may prove enlightening.
Bundesliga
The new shooting star at FC Bayern >
Versatile, reliable and with an eye for goal, Thomas Müller is the product of years of training at the renowned Bayern München football academy. bundesliga.de has put together a few interesting facts on the "new Müller" in Munich.
Versatile, reliable and with an eye for goal, Thomas Müller is the product of years of training at the renowned Bayern München football academy. bundesliga.de has put together a few interesting facts on the "new Müller" in Munich.
Bundesliga
Swabians against "Wolves" >
VfB Stuttgart entertain Bundesliga leaders VfL Wolfsburg in what is Saturday's top match. bundesliga.de takes a close look at the key battles in advance.
VfB Stuttgart entertain Bundesliga leaders VfL Wolfsburg in what is Saturday's top match. bundesliga.de takes a close look at the key battles in advance.
Bundesliga
"You have to carry on, always!" >
KSC have boosted their chances of survival with a 1-0 victory at Leverkusen. bundesliga.de talked to Christian Eichner about fortune and morale in the relegation battle.
KSC have boosted their chances of survival with a 1-0 victory at Leverkusen. bundesliga.de talked to Christian Eichner about fortune and morale in the relegation battle.
Bundesliga
"We know what's coming our way" >
Sascha Riether's late goal at Gladbach secured Wolfsburg their ninth successive league win. In interview, he tells bundesliga.de the secret of the Wolves' success.
Sascha Riether's late goal at Gladbach secured Wolfsburg their ninth successive league win. In interview, he tells bundesliga.de the secret of the Wolves' success.
Bundesliga
Unsuccessful despite strong right wing >
Three successive defeats, three home games without a goal scored - Arminia Bielefeld are struggling for survival. bundesliga.de analyses Michael Frontzeck's team.
Three successive defeats, three home games without a goal scored - Arminia Bielefeld are struggling for survival. bundesliga.de analyses Michael Frontzeck's team.
Bundesliga
"Foals" on their way up >
Back-to-back wins with eight goals scored have seen Borussia Mönchengladbach climb from 18th to 16 place. bundesliga.de takes a close look at two key players.
Back-to-back wins with eight goals scored have seen Borussia Mönchengladbach climb from 18th to 16 place. bundesliga.de takes a close look at two key players.
Bundesliga
"Our aim is fifth place" >
VfL Wolfsburg are the best Bundesliga team in 2009, with 13 points from five games. bundesliga.de talks to in-form striker Edin Dzeko about Wolfsburg's chances.
VfL Wolfsburg are the best Bundesliga team in 2009, with 13 points from five games. bundesliga.de talks to in-form striker Edin Dzeko about Wolfsburg's chances.
Bundesliga
Futsal, superstition and a scar >
He joined Bayer 04 Leverkusen from Flamengo Rio de Janeiro in the summer: Renato Augusto. bundesliga.de presents ten things to know about the Brazilian star.
He joined Bayer 04 Leverkusen from Flamengo Rio de Janeiro in the summer: Renato Augusto. bundesliga.de presents ten things to know about the Brazilian star.
Bundesliga
"Mischo", the future TV star >
Goalgetter, captain, irreplacable - Milivoje Novakovic is 1. FC Köln's "life insurance". bundesliga.de has compiled interesting things about the Slovenian international.
Goalgetter, captain, irreplacable - Milivoje Novakovic is 1. FC Köln's "life insurance". bundesliga.de has compiled interesting things about the Slovenian international.
Bundesliga
Successful hallmarks >
In his first Bundesliga season, Dutch coach Martin Jol has already made Hamburger SV serious title candidates. bundesliga.de takes a close look at the reasons.
In his first Bundesliga season, Dutch coach Martin Jol has already made Hamburger SV serious title candidates. bundesliga.de takes a close look at the reasons.
Bundesliga
An unbelievable career in football >
He is one of the greatest German footballers ever: Günter Netzer. bundesliga.de recounts the tale of an unbelievable career with games never to be forgotten.
He is one of the greatest German footballers ever: Günter Netzer. bundesliga.de recounts the tale of an unbelievable career with games never to be forgotten.
Bundesliga
Effectiveness from the capital city >
Hertha BSC play an outstanding season. bundesliga.de searched for the reasons ahead of the Berliners' top clash against defending champions FC Bayern München.
Hertha BSC play an outstanding season. bundesliga.de searched for the reasons ahead of the Berliners' top clash against defending champions FC Bayern München.
Bundesliga
With or without you >
Are FC Bayern an ordinary team if Franck Ribery has an off day? bundesliga.de analyses statistics to find out whether that thesis is right or wrong.
Are FC Bayern an ordinary team if Franck Ribery has an off day? bundesliga.de analyses statistics to find out whether that thesis is right or wrong.
Bundesliga
Medal collector from South Korea >
Young-Pyo Lee has become an important part of the squad at Borussia Dortmund. bundesliga.de takes a close look at the career of the South Korean player.
Young-Pyo Lee has become an important part of the squad at Borussia Dortmund. bundesliga.de takes a close look at the career of the South Korean player.
Bundesliga
The decisive factor >
Where would FC Bayern be without French winger Franck Ribery? bundesliga.de tries to answer the question, looking at the stats from the first half of the season.
Where would FC Bayern be without French winger Franck Ribery? bundesliga.de tries to answer the question, looking at the stats from the first half of the season.
Bundesliga
Favre's brilliant summer signings >
Hertha BSC are getting better and better: four straight wins have taken the Berliners up to third. bundesliga.de investigates, with the new signings particularly in focus.
Hertha BSC are getting better and better: four straight wins have taken the Berliners up to third. bundesliga.de investigates, with the new signings particularly in focus.
Bundesliga
Car salesman and advisor >
Stuttgart midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger is popular for his trademark left foot. bundesliga.de presents interesting facts about the VfB skipper.
Stuttgart midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger is popular for his trademark left foot. bundesliga.de presents interesting facts about the VfB skipper.
Bundesliga
The chess expert >
From relegation strugglers into Europe - Felix Magath has changed quite a few things in Wolfsburg. bundesliga.de investigates Magath's system.
From relegation strugglers into Europe - Felix Magath has changed quite a few things in Wolfsburg. bundesliga.de investigates Magath's system.
Bundesliga
Werder's stuttering start >
Werder Bremen are quite far away from where they want to be, down in tenth place after twelve rounds. bundesliga.de takes a close look.
Werder Bremen are quite far away from where they want to be, down in tenth place after twelve rounds. bundesliga.de takes a close look.
Bundesliga
Ten-pack failed to inspire >
He's a regular, but he doesn't score regularly: bundesliga.de takes a close look at the performances of Hannover 96 striker Mikael Forssell.
He's a regular, but he doesn't score regularly: bundesliga.de takes a close look at the performances of Hannover 96 striker Mikael Forssell.
Bundesliga
Moving up in the fast lane >
1. FC Köln have really struck gold with their acquisition of Geromel. bundesliga.de has dug out a few interesting pieces about the new signing.
1. FC Köln have really struck gold with their acquisition of Geromel. bundesliga.de has dug out a few interesting pieces about the new signing.
