FIRST TEAM
02/23/2013

Disappointing defeat in relegation battle

TSG 1899 Hoffenheim fell to a disappointing 2-1 defeat to FC Augsburg in a key relegation battle. Goals from Ji and Mölders saw Kurz's men drop to 17th in the league and now sit two points behind Augsburg. A late goal from Igor de Camargo, the striker's first for the club, was not enough for TSG to get anything out of the match. The result is difficult for Hoffenheim ahead of their fixture next week against high-flying Bayern München.

Ahead of one of the most important games of the season, TSG manager Marco Kurz made three changes to his starting eleven bringing in Weis, Firmino and Derdiyok for Usami, Williams and de Camargo respectively. Going into the game Augsburg had only recorded one defeat in their last six games but arguably that counted for nothing ahead of a fixture that was touted as a “six pointer”.

As expected, the match started with a high intensity as the challenges flew in, which resulted in a yellow card for both sides in the opening three minutes. Despite the eagerness in the early stages, neither side could seize on it and create any concrete chances. Augsburg were the more attacking of the two teams though, and Hoffenheim's defence had to be alert to the threat that the home side posed. Gomes had to be commanding in his area as Kurz's men sought to take the sting out of the aggressive hosts.

Eren Derdiyok then fired wide from a free kick as the away team tried to force their way forward. Augsburg were pressing high up the pitch and were making it difficult for Hoffenheim to get out of their own half. Sascha Mölders was found in the area after good work out wide by Tobias Werner but he just couldn't get his shot away. Augsburg kept coming and when a cross came in from the right, it seemed inevitable that the goal would follow but the ball just didn't drop for anyone in the area. However, moments before the half-time interval Augsburg got their breakthrough as Dong Won Ji expertly clipped in a deep Matthias Ostrzolek cross from the right flank to leave Gomes with no chance.

Hoffenheim needed to improve after the break but once again it was Augsburg who threatened more. Mölders fired over after finding a bit of space before Werner's drive at goal was blocked well by Abraham. Then, having picked up a knock to his nose, Mölders glanced a header wide as the hosts continued to control the game. As the time ticked away, TSG finally carved an opening. Volland worked the ball into the area and despite a good first touch from substitute Stephan Schröck, he dragged his effort wide of the goal frame.

Augsburg substitute Andreas Ottl nearly scored with his first touch and second touch but Gomes saved well before his second effort flashed wide of the post. After Ottl fired over once more, Augsburg found their second of the afternoon. Koo played through Mölders and his left-footed finish dipped over Gomes into the top corner. Vestergaard forced a save out of Amsif before a rare break forward from TSG saw Joselu feed through de Camargo on the left-hand side of the box. The on-loan striker stroked home his first goal for the club but it proved too little, too late for Kurz's side.

Hoffenheim are now in 17th after this defeat and two points behind the victors on the day. With their status in the Bundesliga now under even more threat, next week's encounter at home against FC Bayern München is all the more important for TSG. As tough a task as it will be, Kurz's men must try and get something from the match.

Jonathan Harding

FC Augsburg:Amsif – Vogt, Callsen-Bracker, Klavan, Ostrzolek – Baier, Hahn – Koo, Ji (73' Ottl), Werner (81' de Jong) – Mölders (90' Oehrl)

TSG 1899 Hoffenheim:
Gomes – Beck, Abraham, Delpierre (22' Vestergaard), Johnson – Polanski, Weis (68' de Camargo) – Firmino (46' Schröck), Volland – Joselu, Derdiyok


Goals:
1-0 Ji (45'), 2-0 Mölders (79'), 2-1 de Camargo (90+1)

Yellow cards:Hahn – Volland, Beck, Polanski, Vestergaard, Schröck

Attendance:28, 211
Referee:Florian Meyer

Match facts and statistics »

Download Now!
Print Page to top