Augsburg's Demirovic stops Hoffenheim's away specialists
A superb solo move by Ermedin Demirovic ensured that FC Augsburg remained unbeaten against away specialists TSG Hoffenheim under new coach Jess Thorup.
The FCA captain put in an energetic performance to score his sixth goal of the season in the 1:1 (0:1) draw in the Bundesliga, firstly taking on two opponents in a very tight space and then flicking the ball into the far corner from an acute angle from the edge of the penalty area (53rd minute).
Demirovic ensures a draw with a late goal
Hoffenheim, who did not leave the pitch as winners for the first time in their sixth away game of the season, had taken the lead through Wout Weghorst (23'). Bundesliga newcomer Thorup has now picked up eight points in four games as FCA coach. It could almost have been ten. But attacker Demirovic was denied by Hoffenheim goalkeeper Oliver Baumann's strong reaction in the 81st minute following a pass from substitute Arne Engels. And Augsburg midfielder Niklas Dorsch missed the target after a solo run (84').
A firecracker from the Hoffenheim fan block, which exploded loudly near the corner flag, caused a moment of shock and a minute-long interruption in the second half. The medical service was briefly deployed in the stands behind the goal. It initially remained unclear whether there were any injuries. There was uncertainty for around five minutes. Then referee Felix Brych blew the whistle again. However, the action had a lasting effect and the mood among the 28,260 spectators was temporarily clouded.
The action on the pitch was intense, fast-paced and fierce. Hoffenheim initially made the better impression. The opening goal was scored following a corner when FCA defended too passively. A cross from Marius Bülter allowed Weghorst to head in unchallenged at the second post. The 31-year-old Dutchman scored for the third game in a row.
Augsburg
FCA reacted well to falling behind, but were unable to equalize. When Fredrik Jensen allegedly hit opponent Kevin Akpoguma on the arm with a cross in the penalty area, Brych pointed to the penalty spot. After viewing the video footage, which revealed a hit on Akpoguma's chest, the game went ahead with a corner kick after all. Augsburg lacked ideas and the necessary penetration offensively until the break.
A gross passing error by central defender Felix Uduokhai in the build-up gave Grischa Prömel a great chance to make it 2:0 for Hoffenheim after the restart, but FCA goalkeeper Finn Dahmen parried the shot, which was not placed well enough (50'). That was a turning point in the match. FCA not only scored through Demirovic, but was also the dominant team until XXL stoppage time. However, Baumann stood in the way of the second goal.
In the thrilling Bundesliga match, FC Augsburg managed to hold TSG 1899 Hoffenheim to a draw, with captain Ermedin Demirovic scoring the equalizer against their renowned away specialists. Despite TSG taking an early lead through Wout Weghorst, Augsburg's new coach Jess Thorup secured a valuable point with Demirovic's late goal.
Despite FC Augsburg's efforts, TSG 1899 Hoffenheim's goalkeeper Oliver Baumann made several crucial saves to prevent a potential defeat, denying Demirovic in the 81st minute and midfielder Niklas Dorsch in the 84th minute after his solo run. This result meant that Hoffenheim remained unbeaten in their away games for the first time in the season.
Source: www.dpa.com
