Lukas Podolski rescued a point for Cologne and gave under-pressure coach Stale Solbakken a stay of execution with a fortunate 1-1 draw against Hoffenheim. The home side dominated the first hour of the game, going in front thanks to Marvin Compper's header in the 33rd minute. They missed a hatful of chances to finish off Cologne before Podolski scored a goal which should ease some of the stifling pressure on Solbakken. Boris Vukcevic had the ball in the back of the net in the 13th minute, but it did not count as the Hoffenheim forward was in an offside position. He did not give up trying, though, and hit shots left and right of goal before setting up a chance for Roberto Firmino as Hoffenheim dominated the early proceedings. Home side set tone They took a deserved lead in the 33rd minute when Sebastian Rudy sent in a corner from the right and Compper rose to head powerfully into the bottom left-hand corner. Firmino headed wide as Hoffenheim continued to dominate and goalkeeper Michael Rensing was called into action to deny Srdjan Lakic just before the break. Ryan Babel shot into the side-netting in the 57th minute as there was no change in the flow of the game in the second half. Substitute Sven Schipplock then missed two great chances, first shooting against Christian Eichner after taking the ball past Rensing and then firing the rebound against the crossbar. A shot from Podolski which was pushed away by Tom Starke was the first time the Hoffenheim goalkeeper had needed to make a save, but it spurred the visitors into a recovery. In the 81st minute, Podolski headed them level against all odds, flicking Miso Brecko's cross from the right into the far corner to earn Cologne a point.
GMT 08:04 2018 Sunday ,09 December
Leaders Dortmund edge Schalke in derby, Bayern winGMT 12:42 2018 Friday ,02 November
Brexit and the Premier League - English clubs have concernsGMT 06:51 2018 Sunday ,21 October
Man City, Liverpool remain unbeaten, Chelsea rescued by late goalGMT 10:33 2018 Tuesday ,16 October
Maltese club in talks with Usain Bolt, president confirmsGMT 14:56 2018 Monday ,08 October
Barca held again as Sevilla lead La LigaGMT 15:11 2018 Sunday ,07 October
Sacking Lopetegui would be crazy, says Real captain RamosGMT 12:11 2018 Thursday ,04 October
Liverpool sunk by late Lorenzo Insigne strikeGMT 10:58 2018 Wednesday ,03 October
More woe for Mourinho as Valencia hold Manchester UnitedMaintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2025 ©
Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2025 ©
Send your comments
Your comment as a visitor