achtzehn99-Review 2009

October 2009

October was an up and down month for 1899 Hoffenheim with Ralf Rangnick's side picking up nothing on the road, but scoring seven goals in two games at home, not to mention reaching the quarter-finals of the DFB Cup for only the third time in their history. Chrsitian Eichner scores a dream goal against Nürnberg to win the 'Goal of the Month' prize.

03.10.: 1. FSV Mainz 05 2-1 1899 Hoffenheim
1899 Hoffenheim succumbed to a narrow 2-1 defeat in Mainz. The hosts went two up within the opening 11 minutes leaving Hoffenheim to pick up the pieces throughout the rest of the match. Ralf Rangnick's troops committed several errors in midfield and did not manage to show any real verve until midway through the second period. The visitors finally put some pressure on the home side with full time approaching and pulled one back, but it was too little, too late.

17.10.: Werder Bremen 2-0 1899 Hoffenheim
Werder Bremen beat a weak Hoffenheim side with a fully deserved 2-0 victory. After Hoffenheim had the chance to take the lead with a penalty on 14 minutes through Carlos Eduardo, Bremen shocked Hoffenheim with a goal by Pizarro in the 17th minute. Werder consolidated their lead just four minutes later with a goal by Per Mertesacker. The two Bremen goals exposed 1899's weaknesses and from then on Hoffenheim played uninspired and ineffective attacking football. In the second half there was the feeling that Hoffenheim may be able to strike back. However, only the precision in the final pass prevented the North Germans from extending their lead. Hoffenheim fought to the end, remaining attacking minded but with little effect.

24.10.: 1899 Hoffenheim 3-0 1. FC Nürnberg
1899 Hoffenheim celebrated a well deserved 3-0 home victory over FC Nuremberg. Despite a slow start, Hoffenheim started to play more precise, high tempo attacking football following the opening goal through Eichner. Nuremberg struggled throughout the game and never looked like scoring. Having secured the lead Hoffenheim continued to press. The victory was eventually sealed through a well worked solo effort by Argentinian Franco Zuculini.

28.10.: 1899 Hoffenheim 4-0 TuS Koblenz
1899 Hoffenheim progressed to the quarter finals of the DFB cup with relative ease against Koblenz. After a nail biting first half in which the Koblenz defence held strong, Captain Sejad Salihovic finally broke the deadlock with his goal from a free kick. From then on Koblenz struggled to contend with Hoffenheim's pressure and the home side played with greater confidence. Hoffheim exploited Koblenz's defensive weaknesses as Ibisevic, Maicosuel and Compper benefitted from their side's attacking dominance.