Prinz treble leads nine-goal Frankfurt

Germany's hopes in the UEFA Women's Cup may have been ended at the quarter-final stage - the earliest ever - but that has just increased the stakes in the Bundesliga with only one European place on offer and deposed continental champions 1. FFC Frankfurt are in determined mood a crushing 9-1 win at SC Freiburg.

Prinz hat-trick
Frankfurt, knocked out of Europe last Thursday week on away goals by Kolbotn IL, had already won their first three league matches and made it four in style. Birgit Prinz, who on Wednesday equalled the Germany caps record of 154 and scored her 100th international goal in the 5-1 defeat of England, continued her fine form by striking on eleven minutes and Sandra Smisek added another soon after. Prinz and Renate Lingor made it four by half-time, and the Germany captain completed her hat-trick in the 56th minute. Lingor and Kerstin Garefrekes increased the scoreline before two goals from Petra Wimbersky and Freiburg's Myriam Krüger claimed a late consolation.

Duisberg challenge
Two sides are level with Frankfurt on 12 points, but have played one game more. FCR 2001 Duisburg are second on goal difference and came from behind to win 3-1 at Vf:L Wolfsburg, Cristiane's opener cancelled out by Fatmire Bajramaj before two Simone Laudehr goals. Meanwhile, SG Essen-Schönebeck consolidated third place as they struck five without reply against point-less FFC Brauweiler Pulheim.

Potsdam stumble
However, reigning champions 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam, dumped out of Europe by Brøndby IF, have just seven points from five games and lie sixth after being held 2-2 at home by SC 07 Bad Neuenahr, goals from Conny Pohlers and Stefanie Draws cancelled by two from the visitors' Célia Okoyino da Mbabi. Hamburger SV defeated TSV Crailsheim 1-0 while FFC Heike Rheine's match against FC Bayern München was postponed.