Confident win against Fredrikstad

Like in the game against Leeds United last Saturday, TSG came out of the blocks like a shot. The Bundesliga side went ahead in just the fourth minute, when Mark Uth flicked on a Philipp Ochs corner into the path of Volland at the back post, who headed home to make it 1-0.

However, the lead didn’t last long – the hosts grabbed a goal back in the ninth minute through a coolly-taken penalty from Julius Adaramola which left Hoffenheim keeper Jens Grahl with no chance.

Vangen keeps his team in it – for now

Thereafter TSG were able to control the game. Elyounoussi and Uth had two good chances to put the Bundesliga side ahead, in what was their last game before travelling back home from Norway. However Fredrikstad goalkeeper Alexander Vangen kept his side in the game by thwarting both players – first Elyounoussi’s curling effort, then denying Uth from close range.

The keeper was however left helpless five minutes before half time, when Elyounoussi picked the ball up on the left-hand edge of the box and fired a shot at goal with his right foot. The effort flew into the far corner to give Hoffenheim a 2-1 lead. Kevin Volland also had an excellent chance on the stroke of half time, but another great reflex save from Vangen kept his header out.

Substitutions at half time

Markus Gisdol made four changes at half time, introducing Adam Szalai, Jonathan Schmid, Patrick Kapp and Tobias Strobl for Pavel Kaderabek, Mark Uth, Nicolai Rapp and Philipp Ochs.

It was TSG who had the first chance after the break. From the by-line, Schmid chipped a ball to the back post and it was volleyed towards goal effortlessly by Volland, but Vangen was the saviour again as he thwarted the Germany U21 international a second time. He may have lost a couple of battles, but it was the Hoffenheim striker who won the war when he slotted the ball past the helpless Vangen into the corner ten minutes after half time. Two goals for Volland, and it was 3-1 to TSG.

Mees wraps it up

Just over 15 minutes from time, Joshua Mees wrapped up the victory for Hoffenheim with a lovely strike. The youth striker was picked out in the box by Adam Szalai and swept the ball home into the far corner with the outside of his right foot.

There was still time left for the Bundesliga side to grab more goals, but again it was Vangen that denied them. The best chance in the latter stages came from Kingsley Schindler, whose half volley from 25 yards was tipped away by the Fredrikstad goalkeeper. The result had however already been decided, and the hosts could have no complaints when the referee blew for full time.

With another victory racked up, TSG will then travel home on Wednesday morning. There they will play their last warm-up match of pre-season against recently-promoted English side AFC Bournemouth. One week later, the season itself kicks off with the cup tie against 1860 München. Not long to go!