FC St. Pauli

When the final whistle blew last Sunday, the Millerntor erupted. A rush of relief and joy over the successful battle against the drop oozed out of every part of the ground. Markus Kauczinski’s side had given their all over the preceding 90 minutes to secure a 1-0 win against Arminia Bielefeld that guaranteed their second division status for another season. But before the Boys in Brown enjoy a well-earned rest during the summer break, they will go flat out once again to get the best possible return from the campaign in terms of points won and the additional TV money that goes with a higher league placing.

Their opponents on Sunday will be out to do the very same, of course. Duisburg reached safety a game before the Boys in Brown thanks to a 4-1 home win over Jahn Regensburg in week 32. A respectable outcome for the promoted side. After a good start to the season and the odd flirt with the promotion places, Duisburg took just one point in six games between rounds 25 and 30 to leave the spectre of relegation hanging over them. Having successfully avoided the drop, Ilia Gruev’s team go into the final day just as relaxed, yet focused, as the Boys in Brown. They too are out to achieve the best possible final placing and secure a larger slice of the cake in TV money terms.

The players are not the only ones looking to give their all one final time this season. The nigh on 4,000 travelling fans will again sing their hearts out to ensure the campaign ends on a high note. The head-to-head record against MSV gives grounds for hope. The Boys in Brown have not lost a competitive game against the Zebras since 2002.  An impressive run that is more than welcome to continue on Sunday.

Photo: Witters