Quarter-finalists of DFB Cup suffer 3-1 defeat against Fortuna Düsseldorf in match held at FV Illertissen.
Fortuna Düsseldorf Advances in DFB Cup with 3-1 Victory Over FV Illertissen
Fortuna Düsseldorf commenced their DFB Cup journey with a 3-1 triumph over FV Illertissen, showcasing resilience despite a disrupted performance. The hosts' own goals by Kevin Frisorger and Andre Hoffmann flanked strikes from Vincent Vermeij and Christos Tzolis, ensuring Düsseldorf's ascendancy over the boldly fighting Bavarian Swabians.
In the opening lines of the contest, Felix Klaus netted an own goal for Düsseldorf at the three-minute mark, only for Yannick Glessing to narrowly miss a response minutes later. The match was halted by rain and hail, resuming after a 15-minute pause.
Following the resumption, Düsseldorf extended their advantage with Vincent Vermeij tapping in from close range after a well-orchestrated team move. However, the hosts managed to equalize before the half with an own goal by Andre Hoffmann.
After the interval, Düsseldorf successfully fended off Illertissen's challenges, with late substitutes Christos Tzolis and Ísak Bergmann Jóhannesson making their mark on the match. Although Florian Kastenmeier saved a shot from Marco Mannhardt, Düsseldorf maintained their lead, and Tzolis sealed the victory with a header in stoppage time.
New Faces in the Starting Lineup
Coach Daniel Thioune introduced three changes to the starting lineup, providing opportunities for debutants Vincent Vermeij and Yannik Engelhardt. Jamil Siebert also made an appearance, while DFAB veterans Daniel Ginczek, Marcel Sobottka, Jordy de Wijs, and recent signings Christos Tzolis and Ísak Bergmann Jóhannesson warmed the bench.
Stormy Start to the Cup Campaign
Düsseldorf's next challenge comes in the form of SC Paderborn in the 2. Bundesliga on Saturday, August 19th, at 1 PM. The club will aim to bring consistency to their play as they aim to build on their cup victory.
In the reshaped starting lineup, newcomers Vincent Vermeij and Yannik Engelhardt made their debuts, as Düsseldorf prepared to face European-league contenders in their upcoming sports matches. Despite the stormy start to their DFB Cup campaign, Fortuna Düsseldorf demonstrated resilience, securing a 3-1 victory over FV Illertissen in a thrilling European-leagues encounter.
