Hoffenheim seemed surprised and had to find themselves. After a dream pass from Kevin Akpoguma, Jacob Bruun Larsen (25th) was completely free, but spooned the ball over the goal. Even without conceding a goal, chronic insecurity crept in at Hertha for a few minutes after moments of shock. Hoffenheim could not capitalize on it. Coach Sebastian Hoeneß later stated a “disappointing overall performance”.
Hertha pulled themselves together and rewarded themselves with Stark’s powerful header for a deserved lead. Fredi Bobic, who had declared the game the first of eight finals, sipped contentedly at his break drink. The Hertha managing director should also have liked the game continuation. Even if only little was offered offensively at first, the recently criticized components of commitment and ability to concentrate were right. Hoffenheim was given the ball in the safe zone. The Kraichgauers had very little success.
Fotheringham continued to wave on the touchline. make rooms cramped. Stay compact – and then strike ice cold. Belfodil completed a set piece again initiated by Marvin Plattenhardt for the second goal. Tousart even followed up. The Hertha fans sang: “Oh, how beautiful that is.”
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