First Round
August 7, 2015The inaugural round of the German Cup is famous for producing surprises, but the first matches went entirely to plan.
Ahead of their first return to the top flight in 33 years, Darmstadt put the hammer down on fourth-division Erndtebrück, winning 5-0. Marco Sailer broke the ice in minute nine, and Dominik Stroh-Engel doubled the Lillies' advantage less than 60 seconds later.
Stroh-Engel would complete his brace in the second half. Marcel Heller and Konstantin Rausch also found the range. Endtebrück, which only achieved promotion to division four last season, battled but had few chances.
In the other early match second-division FSV Frankfurt made short work of BFC Dynamo 2-0 in Berlin. Edmund Kapllani converted a penalty in minute 3, and Zlatko Dedic added an insurance goal shortly before the break. In the second half, Frankfurt easily preserved their lead against a harmless Dynamo.
Augsburg need extra time
Europa League participant Augsburg had a far tougher time of it against their opponent, fourth-division Elversberg. Indeed, they were a bit fortunate to progress at all.
After a scoreless first half, the southern German minnows grabbed the lead with a headed goal by defender Kevin Maek in minute 52. Ausgburg looked leaden-legged, and coach Markus Weinzierl was forced to substitute in all the offensive firepower he had as the match wore on.
It wasn't until seven minutes from time that bullish forward Raul Bobadilla managed to level things for the favorites with a fine solo move. To make matters worse for Elversberg, playmaker Markus Obernosterer was sent off with a second yellow card just before regular time expired.
Augsburg made their man advantage pay in extra time. In minute 101, Tobias Werner crossed in for Sacha Mölders, who put the first-division side ahead. And eight minutes later Mölders provided service for Werner to seal the deal. The final 3-1 scoreline was a bit harsh on a gutsy Elversberg who were quite close to pulling off a sensation.
The first round of the German Cup continues with matches on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.