Podolski rescues Cologne point

Lukas Podolski: Rescued a point for Cologne against Hoffenheim

Lukas Podolski netted a late equaliser to hand Cologne a point in a 1-1 draw with Hoffenheim and ease the pressure on coach Stale Solbakken.

The home side dominated the first hour of the game, going in front thanks to Marvin Compper's header in the 33rd minute.

They missed a hatful of chances to finish off Cologne before Podolski scored a goal which should ease some of the stifling heat on Solbakken.

Boris Vukcevic had the ball in the back of the net in the 13th minute, but it did not count as the Hoffenheim forward was in an offside position.

He did not give up trying, though, and hit shots left and right of goal before setting up a chance for Roberto Firmino as Hoffenheim dominated the early proceedings.

They took a deserved lead in the 33rd minute when Sebastian Rudy sent in a corner from the right and Compper rose to head powerfully into the bottom left-hand corner.

Chance

Firmino headed wide as Hoffenheim continued to dominate and goalkeeper Michael Rensing was called into action to deny Srdjan Lakic just before the break.

Ryan Babel shot into the side-netting in the 57th minute as there was no change in the flow of the game in the second half.

Substitute Sven Schipplock then missed two great chances, first shooting against Christian Eichner after taking the ball past Rensing and then firing the rebound against the crossbar.

A shot from Podolski which was pushed away by Tom Starke was the first time the Hoffenheim goalkeeper had needed to make a save, but it spurred the visitors into a recovery.

In the 81st minute, Podolski headed them level against all odds, flicking Miso Brecko's cross from the right into the far corner to earn Cologne a point.