Promoted VfL Bochum is almost saved after a 2-1 win in Hoffenheim. The double pack by the Japanese Takuma Asano also made stadium guest Hansi Flick sit up and take notice.
Match winner Takuma Asano danced exuberantly in front of VfL Bochum’s block, the fans who had traveled with him responded with a loud “Never again 2nd division”: Thanks to Asano’s double, the promoted team almost managed to stay up in the league with a 2-1 (1-0) win at TSG Hoffenheim done perfectly. “I always do my best, but there was a bit of luck today,” Asano said modestly on Sky.
While the Kraichgauer received another severe setback in the fight for participation in the European Cup, Asano celebrated his first Bundesliga double pack (28th/59th) from the German opponents in the World Cup, Japan. National coach Hansi Flick watched attentively from the stands, especially since German national player David Raum was successful for TSG (54th).
“We’ve come a lot closer to our goal,” said Bochum’s coach Thomas Reis, considering the nine-point lead over the relegation place. However, Asano received the greatest praise. “He’s a very fine guy – a quiet guy, but great with everyone. I’m happy that he scored twice. He’s extremely agile and difficult to keep,” said defender Maxim Leitsch.
For Bochum it was the first game after the cup throwing scandal in the canceled game against Borussia Mönchengladbach (0:2). On Thursday, the public prosecutor’s office brought charges against a 38-year-old suspect for dangerous bodily harm.
Takuma Asano: “I just have to keep going”
In front of 15,014 spectators in Sinsheim, Bochum set the tone in the first few minutes. The hosts couldn’t get going. The otherwise so dangerous game over the flanks and space did not take place at first. TSG star Andrej Kramaric only had the first opportunity in the 20th minute.
Asano did a much better job with his remarkable goal from the edge of the penalty area on the other side. Sebastian Polter could have even increased his header after a corner (38′). Milos Pantovic had an even bigger chance, who had to play across Asano in the 45th minute or score – but did neither.
At the beginning of the second round, Hoffenheim, who had been disappointing in the first round, increased the number of strokes. The guests were only briefly impressed. Asano used a dropout by Austrian national player Florian Grillitsch to score his second goal.
A third goal by Asano (86th) was not recognized due to a previous foul. “I just have to keep going and put 100 percent on the pitch,” said the Japanese. Not only Hansi Flick should have listened carefully.
TSG Hoffenheim – VfL Bochum: The voices of the game
Sebastian Hoeneß (Hoffenheim coach): “We didn’t start the game really well. It’s always difficult against Bochum. All in all, we lost to a good Bochum team that had been ripped off.”
Thomas Reis (Bochum coach): “Of course we’re satisfied and overjoyed. We were very good in the game right from the start. We’ve come a lot closer to our goal.”
TSG Hoffenheim – VfL Bochum: The line-ups
Hoffenheim: Baumann – Akpoguma (46th Richards), Grillitsch, Vogt – Samassekou (84th Rudy), Stiller (71st Geiger) – Kaderabek (46th Rutter), Raum – Baumgartner – Bebou (84th Bruun Larsen), Kramaric. – Trainer: Hoeness
Bochum: Riemann – Gamboa (Bockhorn 88), Masovic, Leitsch, Soares – Losilla, Stafylidis (Osterhage 74) – Pantovic (Holtmann 61), Rexhbecaj, Asano (Bonga 88) – Polter. – Trainer: Rice
Gates: 0-1 Asano (28′), 1-1 Space (54′), 1-2 Asano (59′)
Yellow cards: Akpoguma (5), Room (5), Sheriff (5) – Stafylidis (3), Leitsch (2)
