New Delhi: Football action continued in Germany, with several exciting DFB Pokal cup matches featuring Bundesliga teams. Werder Bremen, VfL Wolfsburg, and Kickers Offenbach were in action, each with their own unique challenges. Bremen and Wolfsburg managed to win their games, but the real shock came when Kickers Offenbach, a team from the lower leagues, pulled off a surprising victory. As the competition heats up, these matches show just how unpredictable and exciting cup football can be.
Energie Cottbus 1 – 3 Werder Bremen
19 August 2024, Brandenburg, Cottbus: Soccer: DFB Cup, FC Energie Cottbus – SV Werder Bremen, 1st round, LEAG Energie Stadion, Bremen’s Keke Topp (l) celebrates with his teammates after scoring the 0:3 goal. Photo: Robert Michael/dpa – IMPORTANT NOTE: In accordance with the regulations of the DFL German Football League and the DFB German Football Association, it is prohibited to utilize or have utilized photographs taken in the stadium and/or of the match in the form of sequential images and/or video-like photo series. (Photo by Robert Michael/picture alliance via Getty Images)
Werder Bremen had a strong performance in their cup match against Energie Cottbus at the LEAG Energie Stadion. Although Bremen were the better team, Cottbus held firm for a while. However, the pressure from Bremen’s attack soon paid off.
Keke Topp scored the opening goal after getting the better of Cottbus defender Tim Campulka. Topp, who has recently returned to Bremen from Schalke, made his presence known with a precise finish into the top corner. Just before half-time, Topp scored again, this time muscling past Campulka to slot the ball past Cottbus’ goalkeeper, Elias Bethke.
The 20-year-old completed his hat-trick just ten minutes into the second half. Marvin Ducksch raced down the right wing and provided a perfect cross for Topp, who finished with ease into an open goal.
Cottbus managed to score with a fantastic free-kick from Henry Rorig, but it wasn’t enough to turn the game around. Bremen’s goalkeeper, Zetterer, had to deal with a tough challenge from Romario Hajrulla, who was later sent off for a foul. Despite the man advantage, Bremen kept control and moved into the next round.
TUS Koblenz 0 – 1 VfL Wolfsburg
19 August 2024, Rhineland-Palatinate, Koblenz: Soccer: DFB Cup, TuS Koblenz – VfL Wolfsburg, 1st round, Oberwerth stadium. Wolfsburg’s players cheer after the victory. Photo: Thomas Frey/dpa – IMPORTANT NOTE: In accordance with the regulations of the DFL German Football League and the DFB German Football Association, it is prohibited to utilize or have utilized photographs taken in the stadium and/or of the match in the form of sequential images and/or video-like photo series. (Photo by Thomas Frey/picture alliance via Getty Images)
VfL Wolfsburg edged out TUS Koblenz with a narrow 1-0 win. The only goal came from Patrick Wimmer in the 15th minute. Jakub Kaminski’s corner found Wimmer, who headed the ball past Koblenz’s goalkeeper, Zadach.
Although Wolfsburg had the lead, they didn’t dominate the game as they might have hoped. Koblenz fought hard and kept things tight. Wolfsburg’s task was made easier when Yasin Yaman was sent off for a foul on Wimmer. Despite being a player down, Koblenz put up a good fight.
Wolfsburg held onto their slim lead through the second half, securing their place in the next round. They will need to improve their performance if they want to go further in the competition.
Kickers Offenbach 2 – 1 Magdeburg
19 August 2024, Hesse, Offenbach: Soccer: DFB Cup, Kickers Offenbach – 1. FC Magdeburg, 1st round, Sparda-Bank-Hessen-Stadion. Offenbach’s goal scorer Valdrin Mustafa (l) and his teammates celebrate after the win. Photo: Arne Dedert/dpa – IMPORTANT NOTE: In accordance with the regulations of the DFL German Football League and the DFB German Football Association, it is prohibited to utilize or have utilized photographs taken in the stadium and/or of the match in the form of sequential images and/or video-like photo series. (Photo by Arne Dedert/picture alliance via Getty Images)
The biggest surprise of the night came from Kickers Offenbach, who defeated Bundesliga 2 team Magdeburg 2-1. Offenbach took the lead in the 30th minute when Marc Wachs crossed the ball for Alexander Sorge to head in, giving the home fans something to cheer about.
Magdeburg equalised through Martijn Kaars, who scored with a well-placed shot after a good pass from Tatsuya Ito. Despite the equaliser, Offenbach fought back and regained the lead in the 74th minute. Wachs again set up a goal, this time for Valdrin Mustafa, who scored to give Offenbach the win.
Magdeburg tried to equalise in the final minutes but couldn’t find a way through. Offenbach’s victory was a fantastic result for them and a memorable upset in this year’s cup competition.
Monday’s DFB Pokal action brought drama and excitement, with Werder Bremen and Wolfsburg advancing, while Kickers Offenbach pulled off a stunning upset, showcasing the thrill of knockout football. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
