SV Waldhof Mannheim 07 — MSV Duisburg (27-05-2023)

On Saturday morning, we go to a game in the 3. Liga (Third Division), which conveniently plays at 13.30, so you can either watch the 1. Bundesliga at 15.30 afterwards or, as we do, drive to an evening game in another country. On the agenda, SV Waldhof Mannheim 07, a team that I have wanted to see for decades. Years ago, I sponatenously made a detour to watch them play, still in the Regionalliga (fourth division), but it was totally sold-out, as they play for promotion.

We arrive early to the Carl-Benz-Stadion but there are already hundreds of people milling around in the nice sun. This time it is far from sold out. We buy a ticket (EUR 32) at the ticket office and enter the stadium. Everything looks old, concrete, and worn-down.

Oddly enough, the Carl-Benz-Stadion has been built only in 1994, less than 30 years ago – from the sight, we thought it was at least from the 1950s. It is heavy concrete all around and has a lot of seemingly make-shift, mostly glass, extensions.

The stadium has a capacity of 27,000 but today there are only, officially, 9,414, of which at least 1,000 from MSV Duisburg, 286 km north. In this last game of the season, neither Mannheim nor Duisburg plays for anything, being 7th and 12th in the league, respectively.

I first hit the food stand. The choice is relatively limited as there is only one type of stand that sells food around the stadium. The offer is sausages and fries, basically. I get a currywurst with fries (EUR 6.50), which is remarkably big and cheap, although the quality is not too high (particularly the sausage is burnt).

Although it is not busy, there is a real football atmosphere. Mannheim is a workers’ town and Waldhof prides itself as the home of “working class football” (in English). Fans wear a staggering variety of club t-shirt and jerseys, including from fan clubs. Last year, I visited the fan shop downtown, which rivals that of first division teams.

Before the game starts, the legendary SV Waldhof Mannheim 07 team of 40 years ago is honored – the so-called “Waldhof Buwe”. This team achieved promotion to the 1. Bundesliga, a feat never repeated since. I still remember their legendary coach and cult figure Klaus “Schlappi” Schlappner, pacing around on the sideline wearing a typical hat.

Although the stadium is quite empty, it is great weather and the fan, both home and away, are singing throughout the game. In the 6th minute, a great pass from the back brings a Waldhof striker alone in front of the goalie, after a long run, and he finishes cool: 0-1. A perfect counter.

In the 13th minute, a Duisburg free kick is headed on top of the crossbar. Five minutes later, an excellently executed attack with a few short passes in the box is finished from close to the goal: 0-2. This is also the half time score. At half time the club and fans celebrate a Fanbetreuer (kind of a social worker for fans), who is retiring after decades of working work with fans at the fan project. It is a truly touching tribute by the ultras, who also loudly whistle the president of the club, who is clearly not beloved.

The second half is a bit slow. The game is clearly played and neither team wants to go all out. The atmosphere remains good but rather cozy than boisterous. In the 71st minute a Duisburg defender plays the ball back to his goalie, but the latter is walking back and can’t see the ball, so a Waldhof striker (who was just in the game) gets the ball and finishes easy in the far corner: 3-0.

As we have an evening game in France, which is a three hour drive and we barely have three hours, we leave the game in the 75th minute. Later, we hear that the final score is 3-1, so this picture is of the pre-final score.

SV Waldhof Mannheim 07 is a dream for every groundhopper is into real football! Here, modern football with sky boxes and Asian tourists is still far away. It truly is Working Class Football! We probably saw them at the least interesting time, i.e. last game of a disappointing season, and it was still a great experience. Go see them!