Exciting Cup Final Destination: Haching Headed to Illertissen - Illertissen to Host the Cup Final
Toto Cup Final Preview: Underhaching and Illertissen Face Off
SpVgg Unterhaching and FV Illertissen are set to collide in the Toto Cup final, a potential turning point for both teams following Underhaching's relegation to the Regionalliga. Manfred Schwabl, the club's president, emphasized the significance of the cup, stating, "The Toto Cup holds a special distinction for us; we've fought hard to secure a place in it, aiming to enter the first round of the DFB Cup."
However, Schwabl acknowledged the challenge Illertissen presents, particularly on their home turf. "Illertissen have demonstrated they're formidable adversaries, capable of delivering unexpected results in their own stadium, especially in cup play," he added.
With the Bavarian Toto Cup final due to take place in Illertissen for the fourth time in five seasons on Saturday afternoon (live on ARD conference and BR24Sport), the stakes couldn't be higher. The victor will secure a home game against a Bundesliga side in the initial round of the DFB Cup and guaranteed earnings of 210,000 euros.
Holger Bachthaler, Illertissen's coach, expressed his team's anticipation, "We're eagerly awaiting the final and aim to create another memorable cup moment." An additional incentive of 7,600 euros is up for grabs as a win bonus.
Saturday's match represents the "Final Day of Amateurs," featuring for the first time a new traveling trophy, modeled after the DFB Cup trophy and sanctioned by the Bavarian Football Association (BFV). BFV president Christoph Kern revealed, "This trophy, which will bear the names of all previous winners and future ones, will be an additional incentive for both FV Illertissen and SpVgg Unterhaching to secure victory in the final."
Illertissen, a Regionalliga team, has found itself in the Toto Cup final four times in the last five seasons, clinching the trophy in 2022 and 2023. Underhaching, on the other hand, boasts three wins in the competition: 2008, 2012, and 2015. The Toto Cup has been contested in Bavaria since 1998. Last year, FC Ingolstadt emerged victorious over FC Würzburger Kickers in the final.
Though detailed historical data on past Toto Cup finals involving FV Illertissen and SpVgg Unterhaching is not readily available, both teams have demonstrated distinct performances in regional and national cup tournaments throughout their histories.
The community policy for the Toto Cup final offers both SpVgg Unterhaching and FV Illertissen a chance to invest in vocational training for their young players, especially as the winner will secure a home game against a Bundesliga side in the initial round of the DFB Cup. Considering Illertissen's formidable form at home and their previous Toto Cup successes, vocational training programs focused on creating a strong foundation in sports, particularly football, could be crucial for both teams in preparing for the European-leagues.
