FC St. Pauli absolutely deservedly won its home game against TSG Hoffenheim 1-0 thanks to Noah Weißhaupt's first Bundesliga goal in brown and white after sensational preparatory work by Philipp Treu.
The weekend couldn't have started better. FC St. Pauli created numerous chances against TSG Hoffenheim at Millerntor, forcing opposing goalkeeper Baumann to make several brilliant saves. After six matches without picking up a single point, this was often the problem for the brown and white team. The number of shots on goal was simply too low. And if you can't get the ball towards the goal, you can't score.
That was much better last night. Even if I lacked a bit of penetration, the team wanted to force their luck - and they succeeded. Hoffenheim goalkeeper Baumann made a mistake in the game that was enough to give FC St. Pauli three points. Baumann had obviously overlooked Philipp Treu when he played a pass to his teammate on the edge of the penalty area. Treu jumped in and then did a sensationally cool and composed job by lifting the ball over the surprised Baumann and then crossing it to Weißhaupt. He then had less trouble shooting the ball into the almost empty net. When he celebrated the goal, he also knew who to thank.
Of course, yesterday's success wouldn't have happened if the whole team hadn't put in a huge effort. The defense was solid and didn't allow a single Hoffenheim shot on goal. The brown and white team also didn't let Hoffenheim's acting get in the way. They often let things get a little too dramatic. Referee Felix Brych didn't have his best day in my opinion. At times he let too much go, at others he didn't see fouls. But I'm not complaining, because other referees would have awarded a penalty for Nemeth's header duel shortly before the end of the game.
Tim from Millernton describes the game in a way that is worth reading.
Now everyone who supports the brown and white team can head into the international break with peace of mind. I also hope it'll be a bit warmer in Hamburg for the next home game. Yesterday, the wind was quite brisk.
