“Everyone supporting Boris” – TSG battle to a draw

In the last few days, after the news of Boris Vukcevic's accident, football has taken less of an importance. “This is the most difficult situation that the team has ever been in. We could have called the game off, but the team were unanimous in their decision to play. We wanted to be positive and show our hope to the lads. We wanted to fight for Boris because he's a fighter”, said Andreas Müller before the game. The final decision came from Vukcevic's parents, who agreed for the game to go ahead. “After that, the club and the team decided to play”, stated Müller. The crowd in the WIRSOL Rhein-Neckar-Arena were remarkable. The Hoffenheim fan block displayed countless posters and the Augsburg players wore T-shirts with the words “Get well soon, Boris” for their warm-up.

Babbel sent out virtually the same side that played for the last two games. Kevin Volland replaced Vukcevic. Hoffenheim applied pressure right from the start but it took until the 27th minute before FC Augsburg goalkeeper Mohammed Amsif was tested. Takashi Usami dribbled through Augsburg's line, before firing just over the left corner of the goal. Babbel's defence played high up the pitch and made it difficult for the guests to control the possession. Markus Weinzierl's side didn't risk anything, reducing the amount of play in and around the area.

After the break, Augsburg tried their best to push forward but the play remained scrappy. In the 60th minute, Babbel made two changes, bringing on Eren Derdiyok for Roberto Firmino and Sejad Salihovic for Volland. The changes swung the game back in the favour of the home side but it wasn't until the 86th minute when another chance presented itself. After Knowledge Musona fouled Salihovic, Fabian Johnson was teed up for an effort from 25 meters but he could only fire over. Two minutes before the end of the game, referee Markus Schmidt sent off Salihovic for a late challenge. Shortly beforehand, manager Babbel had been sent to the stands. It was the last action of note in the game.

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