DFB Cup
Nuremberg defeats Düsseldorf in the penalty thriller
Christoph Daferner (l) prevailed with 1. FC Nuremberg against Christoph Klarer and Fortuna Düsseldorf. photo
© Daniel Karmann/dpa
Seven Bundesliga teams reach the quarter-finals in the DFB Cup – and 1. FC Nürnberg. The Franconians win the second division duel against Düsseldorf with energy and luck.
After a thrilling penalty shootout against Fortuna Düsseldorf, 1. FC Nürnberg is the only second division team in the quarter-finals of the DFB Cup out of all the Bundesliga clubs.
The Franconians won 5-3 on penalties in the round of 16 on Wednesday evening. After 120 minutes it was 1-1 (1-1, 0-1).
In the penalty shootout, Nuremberg goalkeeper Peter Vindahl was able to parry Jona Niemiec’s attempt. Then Eric Shuranov converted the last shot from the point for the lucky hosts. In addition to the rich bonus of around 1.7 million euros for progressing, Nuremberg can hope for an attractive draw in the round of the last eight teams.
In the 33rd minute, Dawid Kownacki gave the visitors the lead with a fine header in front of 25,216 spectators at the Max Morlock Stadium. The 25-year-old Pole failed to make it 2-0 twice after the break when he was denied by Vindahl (60th/69th). That took revenge: In the stoppage time of the regular season, Taylan Duman equalized on his comeback after four months of injury with a shot from 15 meters that is well worth seeing.
In extra time, substitute Jorrit Hendrix was twice unlucky in Düsseldorf. First FCN professional Florian Flick was able to clear his shot on the goal line (92nd). Then Hendrix shot a free kick against the crossbar (105th). Flick finally saw the red card (120+1) after an emergency brake against Niemiec, with which he prevented another big chance for Düsseldorf to score the winning goal.
After two 0:1 at the start of the second half of the season, the cup evening brought the Nürnbergers the trend reversal called for by coach Markus Weinzierl. Four days after the bitter defeat in Frankenderby against neighbor Greuther Fürth, the “club” acted more courageously in the offensive game, as requested by Weinzierl.
And the team never gave up, even if Düsseldorf was able to create significantly more chances. Lino Tempelmann drove the “Club” from midfield and was unlucky with a resounding shot at the crossbar (26th).