Germany's 'richest village team' jumps to the top

The marriage between global billionaires and English soccer clubs may have all sorts of dubious motives, but the team on top of the German Bundesliga knows exactly where its benefactor comes from, and where his heart lies. TSG 1899 Hoffenheim has risen from eighth grade local soccer leagues to the Bundesliga under the patronage of Dietmar Hopp. The German sports media refer to Hoffenheim as the nation's "richest village team," and when the team is on the move its fans chant "Hurry! Hurry! The whole village is here!" With just over 3,200 residents, you could say Hoffenheim punches above its weight. When the team, a merger of youth development and imported Brazilians, Bosnians and other clubs' starlets, won its opening match 3-0 at Energie Cottbus last Saturday, it went straight to the summit of German club sport. This weekend,... [read full story]