Goalless in Hamburg

MATCH REPORT

Saturday's clash between Hamburger and Hoffenheim eventually finished goalless as both sides stuggled to make their chances count in what was a fairly uninspired performance from both sides. The home team started the brighter after a run of seven games without a win. Hamburger put the visitors under instant pressure. Jerome Boateng had a good headed effort on eight minutes and just four minutes later Jarolim found himself one on one with Hildebrand after a good ball from Berg.

Bruno Labbadia's side continued to threated as Hoffenheim struggled to deal with the pressure, but Hamburger still couldn't find the back of the net. The longer game the more the tempo of the game diminished as Hoffenheim began to get more involved. With just minutes to go before the break the visitors had a great opportunity. A powerful run by Weis to the by line was followed by thunderous cross into the six yard box. In the area Carlos Eduardo was just inches from taking the lead.

1899 Hoffenheim returned after the break a new side. They looked brighter and created the better of the chances, partly thanks to Rangnick's changes during the second half as Petric and Elia came on in quick succession. Salihovic had a good chance on 65 minutes from Obasi's cross, but chances were few and far between for either side. Both teams seemed happy to sit back and remain tight in defence.

Hoffenheim's best chance came ten minutes before the end as Salihovic made a darting run from the left into the penalty area. The Bosnian managed to get a shot away, but only found the side netting of Rost's goal.

A point for Hoffenheim sees them remain in sixth on 24 points. Rangnick's side are a sinlge point behind Schalke in fifth and seven points adrift of Leverkusen at the top.

QUOTES

Mladen Petric
We've got to pick up the three points in our next few games if we want to pressure the top of the league.

Marvin Compper
We're happy with the 0-0. We didn't managed to get the goal in the second half despite having some good chances. We've got to go for the points next time round. It was always going to be tough against a top team like HSV, that's obvious. Everyone stuck to the tactics today. The new ball is very plasticy and long balls take a bit of getting used to.

Timo Hildebrand
Our performance today was good. We weren't particularly strong in the first half but then we got back into it. In the second half we started brightly and stayed strong at the back. On reflection we did well defensively today. We've got to focus a bit more.

Thomas Rincon
Our effort levels dropped towards the end of the game. I think that had a lot to do with the game on Wednesday.

Christian Eichner
Today we just lacked the final touches which would've secured the points.Based on our attacking performance I think we were in with a chance of getting all three.

Josip Simunic
Our approach today was really good. Inspite of everything we played well.

Bruno Labbadia
We came into the game ahead of Hoffenheim and we managed to prevent them from getting a look in early on. We were well positioned and worked really hard. But when the chances came we didn't take them. In the second half it was obvious that some of the energy levels had dropped. That's really dangerous against a side like Hoffenheim.

Ralf Rangnick
From around the half hour mark we played really well and that's largely because we became more energetic and aggressive. After that the chances came for us. In the first half it didn't really come together. After games like this I think we really should've won. We've got to really focus on the next few games now. Vorsah played at right back for the first time today and he did well. If he puts in some good performances for us then he has every chance of playing a couple of games for Ghana in the World Cup.

 

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