The attraction of the DFB Cup is sometimes difficult to recognize for the more objective football fan. Real cup sensations or surprising turns in the game have shaped the format far too rarely in recent years, with minor exceptions. It’s completely different this year: Even a second division team can be expected to lift the trophy in the Olympic Stadium.
When the game between Hannover 96 and Borussia Mönchengladbach is over on Wednesday evening, there will only be one team left in the competition that has won the cup since 1990.
After the humiliation of FC Bayern in Mönchengladbach in the previous round, Borussia Dortmund thought they were on the best way to defending their title. Last year, BVB benefited from the fact that Munich stumbled over Holstein Kiel. But FC St. Pauli, leaders in the second division, brought in more passion and commitment in the 2-1 draw.
So the season is becoming increasingly dreadful for Dortmund, after failing in a medium-difficult group in the Champions League.
Curious penalty in Cologne
It also suits this special DFB Cup that a recently up-and-coming 1. FC Köln failed at home to Hamburger SV (3:4 on penalties). Although not the result, but the way represented the special. When taking penalties, Cologne professional Florian Kainz first hits himself, which is not allowed. How nice that one is also offered such a curiosity.
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And not to forget the duel between 1860 Munich and Karlsruher SC. For the first time in 25 years, the Badeners made it through to a 1-0 draw in a foreign stadium and made it into a DFB Cup quarter-final. After many disappointing years, one can once again dream of a football highlight.
This year, the DFB Cup is exactly the stage for sensations that it should always be. This now also applies to Hertha BSC or 1. FC Union.
