Title: Cologne Triumphs Over a Shocked Hertha in Exciting Extra Time Showdown in DFB Cup Quarters
The DFB Cup's thrilling quarterfinals (January 30 to February 7) featured a third-division team (Saarbrücken), four second-tier sides (Lautern, Düsseldorf, Hertha, St. Pauli), and three top-flight teams (Gladbach, Leverkusen, Stuttgart).
An Unfamiliar HSV Lineup
At the Olympiastadion, the 20,000 HSV supporters were left astounded by coach Tim Walter's dramatic squad changes in seven positions for the clash against their arch-rivals St. Pauli's second team, Hertha.
New Names, Same Controversy
In: Raab, Käpt'n Schonlau (returned after Matchday 6), Hadzikadunic, Mikelbrencis, Jatta, Öztunali, and Nemeth.
Out: Heuer Fernandes, Ambrosius, Ramos, Van der Brempt, Königsdörffer, Poreba, and Glatzel.
An Incredible Turn of Events
The unexpected mix-up paid off for neither side instantly. Cologne scored first through Reese whose shot deflected off the post twice in the 21st minute. Hertha remained one goal down, however, until the 30th minute when Pherai struck a brilliant 18-meter shot to even the score (31').
Later in the first half, Benes found the back of the net with a rebound after a powerful Öztunali cross (43'). But Benes' subsequent corner struck the post, only for Hertha's goalkeeper Ernst to react brilliantly, distributing a long pass to Kenny to make it 3–3 in extra time (120').
Last-gasp Drama
The penalties ensued. Prevljak converted for Hertha, but Benes equalized for HSV once more. Timid shots from Klemens and Muheim led to nail-biting tension, only for El-Jindaoui to miss his shot for Hertha. Amidst this, Glatzel stepped up for HSV and delivered a powerful strike to win it for his team (23:36).
Post-Game Reflections
HSV captain Schonlau stated, "It's a hard pill to swallow, but we had to win twice in these final moments."
DFB Cup Notebook
- Despite the HSV's dynamic lineup adjustments, they succumbed to Hertha Berlin following an edge-of-your-seat penalty shootout.
- For the latest on the intense encounter between HSV and Hertha Berlin, visit regio sport Hamburg.
- In a dramatic 2:2 draw, HSV managed to hold St. Pauli's second team in the derby, but a fresh challenge awaited them in the DFB Cup quarterfinals against Hertha Berlin.
- Key player Pherai's contribution led HSV's comeback, landing two crucial goals before the extra-time period.
- In the DFB Cup quarterfinals, opponents included Köln, Hertha Berlin, Gladbach, Leverkusen, and Stuttgart, as well as third-division team Saarbrücken and other seconds-tier sides.
- Defenders Mikelbrencis and Raab, along with goalkeeper Raab, periodically tested their mettle against Hertha Berlin's Reese as they faced challenges throughout the quarterfinals.
Key Insights:
- Successful Strikes: Players like Patrik Schick displayed their talent by striking crucial goals, including stoppage-time equalizers and extra-time winners, to lead teams like Leverkusen to victories.
- Defensive Mastery: Bayer Leverkusen's impressive defensive record kept them in contention by boasting an unbeaten run with no conceded goals in several matches
Hertha Berlin's brave efforts fell agonizingly short as they encountered a resolute HSV lineup striving for victory in the DFB Cup quarters.
