The DFB-Pokal (German Cup) is heating up, and South African football fans might want to keep an eye on VfL Bochum. While they're Bundesliga 2 (second division) contenders, two underdog teams are looking to cause a major upset in the first round: Energie Cottbus (third division) and BFC Dynamo (regional league).
BFC Dynamo's Home Advantage
BFC Dynamo is set to face VfL Bochum in their home stadium, the Sportforum. The small arena is completely sold out with 4,705 spectators, creating a potentially intimidating atmosphere for the visitors. BFC Dynamo's coach, Dennis Kutrieb, remains optimistic: "At the end of the day, it's eleven against eleven, and we're trying to win – plain and simple."
Cottbus Seeks Redemption
Meanwhile, Energie Cottbus will host Hannover 96, another Bundesliga 2 team. After disappointing performances in previous DFB-Pokal first rounds, including a crushing 0-7 defeat against SC Paderborn and two losses against Werder Bremen, Energie's coach, Claus-Dieter Wollitz, is demanding a fierce and determined performance from his team. He emphasized that the right mindset is crucial for success against the newly formed Hannover side, stating that they need to make "the impossible possible."
Will VfL Bochum avoid becoming a cup upset statistic? South African football fans know anything is possible on the pitch. Keep an eye on these DFB-Pokal matches for potential giant-killing action!
Key Match Details:
- BFC Dynamo vs. VfL Bochum: Saturday, 13:00 (German time)
- Energie Cottbus vs. Hannover 96: Saturday, 18:00 (German time)