Dec 21, 2014
Salihovic's two penalties help Hoffenheim rout Hertha
Hertha Berlin slumped to a 5-0 loss at home to Hoffenheim on Sunday, increasing the hosts' relegation fears on the last day before the Bundesliga winter break. Sejad Salihovic punished his former side, scoring twice from the penalty spot.
The Canadian Press
BERLIN - Hertha Berlin slumped to a 5-0 loss at home to Hoffenheim on Sunday, increasing the hosts' relegation fears on the last day before the Bundesliga winter break.
United States defender John Anthony Brooks had a difficult afternoon, scoring an own goal in the 23rd minute and giving away a penalty two minutes later.
Sejad Salihovic punished his former side from the spot, and then again with another penalty in the 39th — awarded after Hoffenheim captain Andreas Beck went down after apparent contact from Nico Schulz.
Hertha coach Jos Luhukay introduced forwards Salomon Kalou and Sandro Wagner in the 72nd, only for his side to concede to Sven Schipplock on a counterattack two minutes later.
Roberto Firmino capitalized on Peter Niemeyer's mistake to set up Sebastian Rudy in the 84th.