Motivation rewarded
11.02.2012, 20:00:49 Uhr
Two changes in starting line-up
Head coach Thomas Schaaf made two changes to his starting line-up with Arnautovic replacing the suspended Claudio Pizarro and Philipp Bargfrede taking over for Tom Trybull. Werder started the match nervously and made a number of errors in building up their attack while guests left the better impression under new head coach Markus Babbel.
Clemens Fritz during the game against HoffenheimThe Green-Whites fell behind after just four minutes 1-0. Vestergaard leapt highest to a corner kick and headed past Bremen keeper Tim Wiese. Schaaf's team had their first chance in the 8th minute but Hoffenheim keeper Tom Starke was well placed for a well-taken free kick by Mehmet Ekici to maintain the lead.
Major problems
Werder struggled to get into the match thereafter even though the Green-Whites did have their fair share of pushes forward but did not have the necessary final push in front of the Hoffenheim goal. Werder also were lucky that Roberto Firmino did not convert alone in front of the Bremen goal after 16 minutes. And the Bremen deficit was 1-0 at halftime.
Arnautovic scores
Schaaf reacted to the poor showing of his team in the first half and brought on Marin for Ekici at the break. Bremen were more motivated in the second half but did not have a lot of clear chances. Still, Werder did well to keep Hoffenheim from their goal and the Green-Whites' effort was rewarded in the 90th minute when Arnautovic equalised the game 1-1, giving Bremen at least one point.
