Calvin Bassey, a Super Eagles defender, scored as Fulham defeated German team Hoffenheim 2-1 on Saturday to cap off their preseason with a victory.
Our two newcomers were the ones to score, with Ral putting us in front before Calvin Bassey scored to regain the advantage after a deficit.
Bobby De Cordova-Reid was given permission to roam right in front of Harrison Reed and Saa Luki while Willian and Harry Wilson were prioritised as wide alternatives.
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Tom Cairney didn’t participate in the team as he continues to recover from an injury he sustained in our previous game.
When Fulham attempted to take the initiative and gain early possession, Bassey skillfully swiveled on the ball to lose his man, earning the crowd’s cheers.
But shortly after, Kramari was given the opportunity to shoot for the visitors.
Fortunately, the Croatian’s attempt at a chip was weak and was quickly intercepted by Bernd Leno.
We answered effectively and nearly met the 9-minute mark ourselves. Raul, who leaped well, headed Willian’s in-swinging corner just over.
Grischa Prömel of Hoffenheim found himself in an advantageous situation after latching onto a good delivery from the left side, but his shot directly in front of goal was mishit and missed.
A minute later, they were given another opportunity when Marius Bulter, who had been put through by a fantastic back heel, had his low attempt barely miss the far post.
Following some nice build-up play down the left, Ral came close once more, but even at full stretch, he wasn’t quite able to connect with De Cordova-Reid’s quick pass. Robinson responded with a long half-volley that missed the mark.
There were only a few significant chances in the first half, and neither team managed to score as De Cordova-Reid’s shot was directed straight at Baumann.
Six minutes into the second half, the score was finally broken, as Ral scored his first goal for Fulham. After some excellent build-up, Robinson swung in a wonderful low cross, which the Mexican, who had made a deft move, tapped home.
Sadly, Prömel’s powerful header past Leno after receiving a superb first-time cross from the left ended our lead after just five minutes.
As the game’s last 20 minutes drew near, with the score still tied, Marco made a personnel change, replacing Ral and Willian with Aleksandar Mitrovic and Andreas.
Raùl and Bassey both scored after 73 minutes had passed. The strong center-back, who played superbly, leaped highest to head in an Andreas corner.
Late in the game, De Cordova-Reid and Mitro made a good connection, but the latter’s low square pass went over the face of the goal without a player in white nearby to finish.
a strong showing in our final preseason game and a significant contribution from our most recent additions. The players are now anticipating their Premier League debut against Everton the following weekend.