Day 2 in Feldkirchen: Late goals secure victory in Wiese debut

With the sun shining over Mühldorf castle on day two of training, the first team were able to get on with their work in a buoyant mood. Fitness coaches Yannick Obenauer and Christof Elser took over the start of training, putting the first team through their paces with some sprinting and jumping exercises. For most of the last hour of training, the pitch was used for its main purpose; passing and tackling were the key areas focussed on, with one eye on the upcoming competition. To wrap things up, the goalkeepers were able to join in with a final training match. Wiese and company had been training earlier with goalkeeping coach Zsolt Petry. Meanwhile, Roberto Firmino had been working away from the group with fitness coach Elser, and wasn't to be called upon for the friendly against LASK Linz.

When the match came about, the Brazilian's teammates were unable to offer any fireworks upfront. On the other hand, Tim Wiese was the centre of attention and the Austrian side forced the debutant into action twice. He thwarted an initial solo effort by Linz brilliantly with his feet, before steering a rocket of a shot over the bar 10 minutes before the end of his shift. A chance was wasted earlier on, after Volland was put through by Fabian Johnson. His shot from close range was put wide of the far post.

Babbel made 11 changes at half time with Sejad Salihovic making an appearance for the first time during pre-season. The 2000 spectators in Ottensheim had to wait until the closing stages to witness some exciting action on the pitch, when Braafheid made ground on the flank and found Ahmed Sassi up with him. The Tunisian made no mistake in slotting the ball home from six yards. Things came to life again two minutes before the end as memories of Wembley 1966 came flooding back. Sven Schipplock's header hit the underside of the crossbar and bounced down over the goal-line. In the dying minutes, LASK failed to convert two good chances to pick up a consolation goal, one of which was well saved by Casteels.

TSG 1899 Hoffenheim: Wiese (46' Casteels) – Beck (46' Schröck), Vestergaard (46' Vorsah), Compper (46' Delpierre), Johnson (46' Thesker) – Vukcevic (46' Gyau), Weis (46' Williams), Rudy (46' Salihovic), Malbasic (46' Braafheid) – Volland (46' Sassi) – Derdiyok (46' Schipplock).

Goals: 1-0 Sassi (73'), 2-0 Schipplock (88'). Attendance: 2000. Cards: Yellow for Schröck