Augsburg (AP) – Andrej Kramaric was the acclaimed match winner even without his own goal. With the long-awaited return of the fans to the Augsburg stadium, the 30-year-old Croat was a spoilsport for the FCA, who had to leave the football party on the pitch to the guests at the start of the Bundesliga.
Led by three-time goal preparer Kramaric, the more mature TSG won 4-0 (1-0) in front of 9,124 spectators. “We stabbed”, 1899 coach Sebastian Hoeneß praised the efficiency. He emphasized the “team effort”, but also praised Kramaric, who had done “extraordinary”.
Jacob Bruun Larsen (37th minute), substitutes Sargis Adamyan (79th) and Georginio Rutter (87th) as well as Sebastian Rudy (90th + 5) let Hoeneß cheer on the sidelines. In the high temperatures on Saturday, Hoffenheim played very cool and brilliantly in the end. The FCA broke apart and let itself be shot down. “It’s bitter to lose 4-0,” moaned FCA coach Markus Weinzierl. “That mustn’t happen,” said Captain Jeffrey Gouweleeuw. And goalkeeper Rafal Gikiewicz reported a “dead mood” in the cabin.
Augsburg aggressive but imprecise
After an almost complete home game season without an audience, the return of the cheering fans had a stimulating effect on the players. The Augsburg team – with the seven million euro U21 European champion Niklas Dorsch as the only new entry in the starting lineup – tried typical Weinzierl football: aggressive in duels and straightforward, with speed and long balls.
There was usually a lack of precision near the goal, even at the end. Ruben Vargas spiked the ball after a fine pass from Fredrik Jensen into the penalty area just wide of the goal (22nd minute). “If we take the lead, everything was right,” Weinzierl quarreled. Jensen also moved after a fine drop from Florian Niederlechner (45th).
The Hoffenheimers needed a little start-up time. Kramaric forced FCA goalkeeper Rafal Gikiewwicz to make a first save (35th). Shortly afterwards, the Croat crossed from the right wing. FCA defender Robert Gumny was in a bad position, with Bruun Larsen headed into the goal behind him. “It’s great to play with Andrej,” said the goal scorer.
As expected, the Augsburgers created a lot of pressure after the break and took more risks. Hoeneß quickly replaced newcomer David Raum, who – already warned – was threatened with dismissal (52nd).
TSG uses open spaces
The hectic pace increased. The FCA professionals vehemently demanded a hand penalty, but referee Felix Brych vigorously waved them off (60th). Weinzierl brought fresh offensive forces and also replaced the U21 European champion Arne Maier, who was on loan from Hertha BSC.
Hoffenheim now used the open spaces on the counterattack. Kramaric missed the decisive 2-0 when he came free in the penalty area, but Gikiewicz held terrific (76th). Shortly afterwards, however, the time had come: Kramaric released Adamyan in the penalty area. “I had the easier job at goal than Andrej, who put the ball through Bayern. It’s a lot of fun with him, “said Adamyan. The 3-0 of the 19-year-old Rutter and the 4-0 of the ex-national player Rudy were a double bonus. For the last hit, Kramaric exceptionally only played the penultimate pass.