Hoffenheim thrash Hertha Berlin

Hoffenheim brought a spectacular end to their 2014 with a 5-0 win at Hertha Berlin on Sunday, moving them to within a point of the top six for the duration of the winter break.John Anthony Brooks gave them a leg-up with an own goal which was followed by two penalties from Sejad Salihovic before half-time.Hertha, who led Frankfurt by three goals in midweek and ended up drawing 4-4, this time had to come from behind, but they were not able to as Sven Schipplock and Sebastian Rudy completed the rout.The defeat leaves Hertha just a point above the relegation zone.Hoffenheim were straight on the attack, sending in shot after shot on Thomas Kraft's goal, although they needed a helping hand to take the lead when Kevin Volland's cross was turned into his own goal by Brooks midway through the first half.Three minutes later, Hoffenheim doubled their lead from the penalty spot when Brooks fouled Schipplock.Salihovic, an almost guarantee from the penalty spot, lived up to his reputation to beat Kraft.Just 10 minutes passed before Salihovic was given another chance to score from the penalty spot after Nico Schulz was adjudged to have fouled Andreas Beck inside the area.Again, Salihovic made no mistake, drilling his shot low to the right of Kraft.The expected reaction from Hertha did not materialise as Jos Luhukay's men appeared to have accepted defeat without a fight.Schipplock then added a fourth, turning the ball into an open goal after good work from Roberto Firmino.Rudy then completed the rout in the 84th minute with Firmino again the provider to round off a miserable day for Hertha inside their own Olympiastadion.