体坛英语资讯：Bayern post 1-1 draw against Hoffenheim

 German football giant Bayern Munich had their ambition snubbed at the Bundesliga opener as they were tied 1-1 in an away game against Hoffenheim on Saturday. Ivica Olic put Bayern in front in the 25th minute in what was also his first league appearance for the record champions. ChineduObasi leveled for the hosts in the 41st minute, set up by fit-again strike partner Vedad Ibisevic.

Bayern were thus unable to present new coach Louis van Gaal with a debut Bundesliga victory on the occasion of his 58th birthday.

"The team forgot to play football in the first half," said van Gaal. "In the second they were flat but we did not use our chances."

Bayern Munich's Ivica Olic (2nd L) scores a goal during their German Bundesliga soccer match against TSG Hoffenheim in Sinsheim August 8, 2009.

Bayern Munich missed several key players through injury, like playmaker Franck Ribery, strikers Miroslav Klose, Luca Toni and defender Martin Demichelis.

The opener from Olic was virtually the only highlight of a first half to forget for the visitors. There was early controversy in the 11th minute when Hoffenheim's new central defender Josip Simunic headed the ball off the post and Bayern keeper Michael Rensing appeared to clear it only after it had crossed the line. The referee, however, did not give the goal.

Just as Hoffenheim seemed to be in the ascendancy however, Bayern hit them on the break. Danijel Pranjic - another new signing - crossed from the left into the six-yard box and Olic nudged the ball home to put the visitors in the driving seat against the run of play.

Bayern visibly grew in confidence having found the net, while the goal seemed to have the opposite effect on Hoffenheim for a while. That all changed four minutes before the break through, when1899 launched a counter-attack of their own. Tobias Weis put in a cross from the right and Ibisevic laid the ball off perfectly for Obasi to rifle home from 14 meters out.

Chances were at a premium for both sides after the interval, and neither side ever find the net in the end.