Cologne Secures German Cup Quarter-Finals Berth with Dramatic Penalty
In a thrilling German Cup match on Wednesday, Cologne secured a spot in the quarter-finals with a last-minute penalty from Dejan Ljubicic, edging out 10-man Hertha Berlin in a 2-1 victory. The game was filled with intense moments and unexpected twists that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very end.
Early Lead and Red Card
Hertha Berlin took the lead early in the match when Ibrahim Maza converted a penalty after Derry Scherhant was fouled in the box. However, Berlin’s hopes were dampened when Deyovaisio Zeefuik received a red card for a headbutt in the 25th minute, leaving them with a numerical disadvantage for most of the game.
Equalizer and Extra Time
Cologne managed to equalize the score five minutes later when Florian Niederlechner inadvertently scored an own goal from a corner kick. With the game tied at 1-1, the match went into extra time, adding to the suspense and excitement for both teams and spectators.
Decisive Penalty
As the clock ticked towards the end of extra time, Dejan Ljubicic had a chance to redeem himself after missing a clear opportunity earlier in the match. With nerves of steel, Ljubicic converted a crucial penalty, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way and sealing Cologne’s victory, securing their spot in the quarter-finals.
Impressive Performances and Upsets
Elsewhere in the German Cup, 2015 winners Wolfsburg put on a dominant display against Hoffenheim, scoring three goals in the second half to secure a 3-0 win. Wolfsburg’s strong performance under the guidance of Ralph Hasenhuettl has seen them remain unbeaten in seven games, showcasing their potential in the competition.
Bayer Leverkusen, Stuttgart, Werder Bremen, and Arminia Bielefeld have also advanced to the quarter-finals, with the latter being the only third-division side to reach this stage. As the German Cup action continues, fans eagerly await the clash between RB Leipzig and Eintracht Frankfurt, two formidable teams with a rich history in the competition.
The German Cup quarter-finals promise to deliver more excitement, drama, and unforgettable moments as teams battle it out for a chance to lift the prestigious trophy. Stay tuned for more updates and thrilling matches in this prestigious competition.
