FIRST TEAM
12/21/2010

Christmas comes early: 1899 in quarterfinals!

1899 Hoffenheim have made into the quarterfinals of the German Cup after a solid performance over the whole 90 minutes that saw Ralf Rangnick's team emerge as 2-0 winners over Bundesliga rivals Borussia Mönchengladbach.

In comparison to the match against VfL Wolfsburg last weekend, Rangnick made two changes to his system that saw out the 2-2 draw. Isaac Vorsah, who is still suspended in the Bundesliga, reclaimed his spot in the centre of defense with Matthias Jaissle moving to the bench. There were modifications up front as well; Vedad Ibisevic stepped out due to his one match cup suspension and was replaced by Demba Ba.

Frosty opening exchanges

With roughly 23,500 spectators inside the Rhein-Neckar-Arena, Dr. Felix Brych got the match underway with both teams looking for a positive end before the winter break. Within the first five minutes 1899 had already won two corners, but were unable to create any danger from the situations. Vukcevic and Demba Ba both had chances without causing too much trouble, while the visitors were looking the consistent striker Igor De Camargo the target of forward balls on the counter attack. A lot of the passes were going astray, however, with Gustavo and Rudy clearing up competently in front of the back four.

Then in the 15th minute a lovely one two between the much admired Marco Reus and Thorben Marx unlocked the 1899 backline for the first time, but couldn't test keeper Daniel Haas missing the goal by several meters. Then a huge chance for Hoffenheim as Sebastian Rudy danced through the Gladbach defense before slipping a ball across the six-yard box. The fans had their hands in the air ready to celebrate, but unfortunately for Hoffenheim Demba Ba just couldn't stretch far enough and was literally inches away from poking home for the opening goal.

Super Sigurdsson strikes again

With the half hour mark just gone the Icelandic international was on hand to break the ice for 1899. After free-kick had been given for a foul on Demba Ba, Salihovic and Sigurdsson's training ground routine bamboozled Christian Heimeroth and the youngster who was signed this summer slammed into the right hand side of the net, which had been left unguarded. The goal was closely followed by two other efforts from dead ball situations, but neither Sigurdsson from 35 yards or Salihovic from 30 could recreate the magic of the first effort sending the home side into half time with a one goal lead.

Frontzeck tried to mix things up at half time bringing on Patrick Herrmann on for Thorben Marx, while Rangnick left his side as was for the beginning of the second half. It started much the same way the first half ended; 1899 on the front foot and Gladbach trying to hit on the counter. Then a moment of confusion in the 53rd minute as Hoffenheim thought they were celebrating a second goal. Salihovic took a shot from range after good work by Ba, who fell over in the process, to knock down Beck's cross. Referee Brych initially ruled in 1899's favour before consulting his assistant and deciding to disallow the goal for offside. Demba Ba was still lying down in the box and the shot came in and was judged to have interfered with play. The disallowed effort added a level of spice to the encounter as the men from Kraichgau looked to press their advantage. It paid off in the 63rd minute when Salihovic whipped in a delightful corner from the right hand side. Gladbach's defense failed to deal with the delivery and the ball eventually fell at the feet of Demba Ba and the Senegalese striker duly poked home from close range. The rest of the game was comfortable for the home side and only Peniel Mlapa, who came on for Ba late on, had a chance to extend the lead. In the end a two-goal lead was enough for Ralf Rangnick's men as they cruised comfortably into the quarterfinals of the German Cup and receiving somewhat of an early Christmas present.

 

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