Simunic strike saves a point against Freiburg

In a match lacking in true quality, both sides created chances early on. Vedad Ibisevic had the most clear cut opportunity for 1899 on 17 minutes, but the Bosnian striker selfishly went for goal when clearly a pass to the unmarked Carlos Eduardo in the centre was the better option.

Hoffenheim threaten

A distance strike from Andreas Ibertsberger flew narrowly past the upright as the first half progressed as Ralf Rangnick's troops began to pressurise, while Joe Simunic went close when he headed just over the top from a Maicosuel cross on the stroke of half time.

In the second half Hoffenheim did their best to get forward as quickly as possible with substitute Prince Tagoe immediately making a nuisance of himself in the Freiburg defence. Luiz Gustavo saw a fierce drive from 25 yards tipped over by Pouplin, while SCF defender Butscher was fortunate not to see red when he brought down Carlos Eduardo with the Brazilian clean through.

Simunic the saviour

And alas it was Freiburg who broke the deadlock in the 64th minute when a woeful back pass from Luiz Gustavo was seized upon by Johannes Flum, who subsequently picked out the awaiting Idrissou in the box, the Cameroonian striker keeping his cool to slot home into the gaping net.

With the disappointment palpable among the home fans, Hoffenheim went for broke in search of an equaliser and were duly rewarded in the 80th minute when Joe Simunic remained forward from a previous attack, the towering Croatian receiving the ball in the box from Carlos Eduardo before finishing with all the composure of a top class striker to equalise.

1899 thus salvage the point which should guarantee their Bundesliga status for next term, although the squad will come away from the match knowing that a win was well within their reach.

Quotes:

Sejad Salihovic We were fortunate to salvage a point. We had a few chances in the first half but overall we offered too little in attack.

Josip Simunic It doesn't matter who scores the goals. We know we can play better. We didn't look great for the goal we conceded.

Ralf Rangnick We struggled in the first half but still created some decent chances. We were too careless for the opening goal, Luiz' pass was far too weak. In the end I think we have to be happy with a draw, at least we don't have to worry about the drop any more. Hopefully that will mean that we play with a bit more confidence in our remaining games.

Robin Dutt We were well organised and put them under plenty of pressure. Hoffenheim never really got into their stride. Before we took the lead we did well, defending from the front and eventually they made the mistake for us to capitalise on. Afterwards, they upped their game and we were fairly fortunate with couple of decisions by the referee. We would have had the chance to grab a winner towards the end if Caligiuri had laid the ball across, but it wouldn't have been deserved, I think a draw is a fair result.

Johannes Flum We put in a disciplined performance so it was frustrating to concede the goal. It felt like a defeat in the end for me.

Heiko Butscher We played well today and went for the win, so it's disappointing for us to only get a point. Still, it could be an important point come the end of the season.

 

 

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