Matthew Marshall –
Eintracht Frankfurt v Hoffenheim – August 18, 2019 – Commerzbank Arena, Frankfurt
Eintracht Frankfurt took the lead inside the first minute, Filip Kostic sending in a deep cross that Martin Hinteregger volleyed home. Kostic was causing Stefan Posch major headaches, producing a neat interchange with Ante Rebić who forced a save from Oliver Baumann.
Hoffenheim were trying to get their attackers into the game, but Hinteregger was standing strong. Robert Skov fired wide, and Steven Zuber saw his shot blocked, but Eintracht regained control with Kostic continuing to torment Posch.
Hoffenheim thought they had equalised when Dennis Geiger fired through traffic past Kevin Trapp, but the goal was ruled for offside. Ante Rebić was having a great battle with Kevin Vogt, one that he finally won before racing in on goal but taking too long to shoot.
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Posch gifted Frankfurt their first chance of the second half with Daichi Kamada forcing a save from Baumann. The hosts had numerous chances to extend their lead with a Dominik Kohr header cleared off the line and Hinteregger heading a corner over the bar.
Both managers made their first substitutions in the 64thminute as Diadie Samassékou replaced Lukas Rupp and Sebastian Rode came on for Dominik Kohr. Kostic shot wide, but chances were proving hard to come by, more changes in the 70thminute with Ishak Belfodil on for Dennis Geiger and Gonçalo Paciência replacing Kamada.
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Belfodil couldn’t steer a Kadeřábek cross on target with time running out. The Algerian striker did manage to get the ball in the back of the net but was ruled offside. Frankfurt held on for a vital point with both teams far from their best, particularly the visitors who had a host of first-team regulars injured.
Eintracht Frankfurt v Hoffenheim – Three Stars
Eintracht Frankfurt v Hoffenheim – Frankfurt’s Austrian defender Martin Hinteregger (R) celebrates scoring 1-0 during the German first division Bundesliga football match Eintracht Frankfurt v TSG 1899 Hoffenheim on August 18, 2019 in Frankfurt am Main, western Germany. (Photo by Daniel ROLAND / AFP)
Filip Kostic (Eintracht Frankfurt)
Kostic was a constant threat down Frankfurt’s left-wing, assisting Hinteregger for the opening goal and creating several more chances in the first half. Causing Stefan Posch all sorts of problems, Kostic worked his socks off and was the standout performer.
Martin Hinteregger (Eintracht Frankfurt)
The crowd favourite showed skill to volley home the winning goal but was also active in defence. Stopped Skov on two occasions, withstood a second-half injury and showed a fighting spirit some of his opposition players lacked.
Kevin Vogt (Hoffenheim)
Had a running battle with Ante Rebić, losing the Croatian star late in the first half but going unpunished. Took a yellow card in the final few minutes preventing Rebić from breaking clear, but overall had a strong game that kept his side within reach.
Eintracht Frankfurt v Hoffenheim
Goals: 1-0 (Hinteregger 1’)
Eintracht Frankfurt v Hoffenheim – Line-ups
Eintracht Frankfurt:
Formation: 3-4-2-1
Hradecky – Abraham, Hasebe, Hinteregger – Da Costa, Kohr (Rode 64‘), Fernandes, Kostic – Kamada (Paciência 71‘), Gacinovic (Torro 88‘) – Rebić
Hoffenheim:
Formation: 3-4-2-1
Baumann – Posch, Vogt, Bičakčić – Kadeřábek, Rudy, Geiger (Belfodil 71‘), Zuber – Skov (Grifo 76‘), Rupp (Samassékou 64‘) – Bebou
Matthew Marshall is a freelance football journalist. Born in Australia and living in Germany, he is sports mad but his passion is undoubtedly the beautiful game. Primarily covering the Bundesliga and the Portuguese national team, he follows all the major European domestic leagues intently alongside both UEFA club competitions. A member of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS). Follow Matthew Marshall on Twitter @noobzcorp
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