Last update images today Dortmund Stunned! Holstein Kiel Pull Off Historic DFB-Pokal Upset
Dortmund Stunned! Holstein Kiel Pull Off Historic DFB-Pokal Upset
Dortmund, Germany - In a result that has sent shockwaves through German football, second-tier Holstein Kiel have eliminated Borussia Dortmund from the DFB-Pokal in the second round, securing a dramatic 2-1 victory at Signal Iduna Park. The loss marks a devastating blow for Dortmund's trophy aspirations and piles further pressure on manager Edin Terzic.
The match, played on a cold and rainy Wednesday night, was anything but routine. Dortmund, heavily favored to progress, started brightly, dominating possession and creating several early chances. However, Kiel's organized defense and lightning-fast counter-attacks proved a constant threat.
First Half Fireworks: Kiel Draws First Blood
The opening goal came against the run of play in the 16th minute. A swift Kiel break saw Fin Bartels deliver a pinpoint cross that was met by a diving volley from Benedikt Pichler. The Austrian striker's well-placed shot left Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel with no chance.
The goal seemed to jolt Dortmund into action, and they responded with increasing intensity. Captain Marco Reus led the charge, orchestrating attacks and driving his team forward. Their pressure finally paid off in the 35th minute when Julian Brandt unleashed a thunderous strike from the edge of the box, leaving Kiel's goalkeeper Thomas Dahne rooted to the spot. The stadium erupted in celebration, believing Dortmund had weathered the storm.
Second Half Stunner: Kiel Completes the Upset
However, Kiel were not deterred. They continued to defend resolutely and look for opportunities to counter. The crucial moment arrived in the 77th minute. After winning a free kick just outside the Dortmund penalty area, Lewis Holtby, the experienced former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder, stepped up and curled a beautiful shot over the wall and into the top corner. Signal Iduna Park fell silent.
Dortmund threw everything they had at Kiel in the remaining minutes, but Dahne produced a series of stunning saves to deny them. Erling Haaland, who had a relatively quiet game, was particularly frustrated, seeing several attempts blocked or saved. Despite a frantic injury time period, Kiel held on for a famous victory, sending their travelling fans into raptures.
Post-Match Reactions: Terzic Under Fire
The defeat has sparked immediate criticism of Dortmund manager Edin Terzic. While he acknowledged Kiel's strong performance, questions are being raised about his tactical approach and team selection.
"We are incredibly disappointed," Terzic said in his post-match press conference. "We created enough chances to win the game, but we weren't clinical enough in front of goal, and we made too many mistakes defensively. Kiel were well-organized and took their chances well. We have to analyze what went wrong and learn from this."
Kiel coach Marcel Rapp, on the other hand, was ecstatic. "This is a fantastic achievement for our team and our club," he said. "We came here with a plan, and the players executed it perfectly. We knew we would have to defend well and take our chances when they came. We showed great character and belief, and we deserved the victory."
The Road Ahead: Implications for Both Teams
For Dortmund, the DFB-Pokal exit adds to their growing list of disappointments this season. They are currently struggling in the Bundesliga and face a tough challenge to qualify for the Champions League next season. The pressure on Terzic is mounting, and the club's hierarchy will have some serious decisions to make.
Kiel, meanwhile, are riding high on confidence. This victory propels them into the next round of the DFB-Pokal, where they will fancy their chances against any opponent. It also provides a major boost to their promotion hopes in the 2. Bundesliga.
Key Talking Points:
- Kiel's Tactical Masterclass: Marcel Rapp's game plan was executed flawlessly. Their organized defense frustrated Dortmund, and their counter-attacks were incisive and dangerous.
- Dortmund's Defensive Woes: Dortmund's defensive vulnerabilities were once again exposed. They looked shaky at the back and struggled to contain Kiel's attacking threats.
- Haaland's Underwhelming Performance: Erling Haaland had a quiet game by his standards. He was well-marshalled by Kiel's defense and failed to make a significant impact.
- Terzic's Future in Doubt: The defeat has intensified the pressure on Edin Terzic. His tactical decisions and team selection are under scrutiny, and his job security is uncertain.
- Kiel's Cup Run Continues: Holstein Kiel have emerged as a dark horse in the DFB-Pokal. Their impressive victory over Dortmund has made them a team to be feared.
Q & A:
Q: What was the final score of the match?
A: Holstein Kiel defeated Borussia Dortmund 2-1.
Q: Who scored the winning goal for Holstein Kiel?
A: Lewis Holtby scored the winning goal with a free kick.
Q: What are the implications of this loss for Borussia Dortmund?
A: The loss adds to Dortmund's struggles this season and puts more pressure on manager Edin Terzic. Their chances of winning a trophy this season have been significantly reduced.
Q: What are the implications of this win for Holstein Kiel?
A: The win is a major boost for Kiel's confidence and their promotion hopes in the 2. Bundesliga. It also sees them progress to the next round of the DFB-Pokal.
Q: What were some of the key talking points from the match?
A: Key talking points included Kiel's tactical masterclass, Dortmund's defensive vulnerabilities, Erling Haaland's underwhelming performance, and the pressure mounting on Edin Terzic.
Summary: Holstein Kiel delivered a stunning upset, defeating Borussia Dortmund 2-1 in the DFB-Pokal. Key goals from Pichler and Holtby secured Kiel's victory, while Brandt scored for Dortmund. The loss intensifies pressure on Dortmund's manager and boosts Kiel's cup run and promotion hopes. The match highlighted Kiel's tactical brilliance and Dortmund's defensive weaknesses.
Keywords: Dortmund, Holstein Kiel, DFB-Pokal, Upset, Football, Soccer, Edin Terzic, Marcel Rapp, Haaland, Holtby, Pichler, Brandt, Germany, Sport.