FIRST TEAM
10/27/2010

Hoffenheim book a place in the Round of 16

TSG 1899 Hoffenheim have managed to secure a place in the Round of 16 of the DFB Cup. In an open first half that included Vedad Ibisevic being sent off, Hoffenheim failed to take control of the match against an impressive playing Ingolstadt side. The substitution of Demba Ba at half time then turned the tide for the Bundesliga club, as he provided the only goal of the night.

Ralf Rangnick again made several substitutions to the starting eleven, something he was already forced to do during Hoffenheim's 1-1 draw at Borussia Dortmund last weekend. Obasi and Ibisevic returned, while Sigurdsson featured in midfield and Rudy surprisingly in the central defence.

The game almost kicked off in a perfect fashion for the Bundesliga side, as Obasi's head found the end of a Sigurdsson free kick, but the Nigerian was unable to add precision to his header and Ingolstadt keeper Sascha Kirschstein picked up the ball with ease. Hoffenheim continued to control the match in the early goings but weren't able to create premium goal chances. Ingolstadt however showed a determined performance and it was not the case that they were left chanceless in this game. More on the contrary, an open match developed as both sides invested a lot into this game, covering a lot of ground, but failing to produce real highlights in front of the oppositions goal.

Therefore it took Hoffenheim 23 minutes before they again appeared in front of Ingolstadt's goal in a dangerous manner. Salihovic set up Ibisevic beautifully but the striker's attempt went just wide. Just seconds later, Ingolstadt's Gerber had a huge chance to give the visitors the lead, but Luiz Gustavo's vital tackle kept the score level after 25 minutes. With Ingolstadt having settled into the game comfortably, things got even worse for Rangnick's men, as Ibisevic was sent off for what appears to have been un-sportsmanlike behaviour towards referee Tobias Stieler. Fortunately, Hoffenheim managed to prevent conceding in the first half, having had a man sent off as the referee blew for half time.

The second half began with Rangnick having made one change: Demba Ba replaced Obasi up front. And Ba immediately caused Ingolstadt's defence problems with a decent attempt from roughly eleven yards just two minutes into the second half. Kirschstein however saved the shot well. Ba's substitution appeared to give Hoffenheim new impulses as he continued to create a lot of danger. However, Ingolstadt also continued their impressive display in this half and Hoffenheim were fortunate not to concede on a few occasions. Just as Ingolstadt were looking more and more dangerous, the hosts took the lead. Mlapa found space on the right wing and his fast paced cross into the danger-zone met Ba who slotted the ball home from short range (63').

Hoffenheim failed to seal the deal earlier in this game and that allowed Ingolstadt to continue believing in a chance to get back in the game. With Ingolstadt pushing far up the pitch, Hoffenheim had lots of room for counter attacks. The best chance for Hoffenheim was left out when Ba's strike from the right hand side met the inside of the post. In the end, Hoffenheim secured a deserved victory thanks to their second half performance and the substitution of Demba Ba. Ingolstadt showed an impressive performance but failed to profit from the few decent chances they had. The draw for the next DFB Cup round will be on the upcoming Sunday.

 

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