Vahid Hashemian converts a penalty as Bochum reach second round of German DFB Cup

Reaching the second round of the DFB Cup could not have been more thrilling. It was a match straight out of a picture book and it ended more successful for VfL Bochum.

Bochum had a good start. After six minutes of play, Mieciel attacked Preußen keeper Buchholz who was only able to rebound the ball. Unfortunately there was no VfL player in front of his goal. Afterwards, the hosts got stronger and had their first chance in the 13th minute through a long-range shot by Sowislo. The best chance however, belonged to Bochum team: Stanislav Sestak’s shot on the volley in consequence of a Pfertzel cross into the goal area was perfectly parried by Buchholz (19th minute). Only two minutes later, a Sestak header missed the target by centimetres. 

Although Bochum had some promising scoring chances, the league difference was not really obvious. After eleven years of absence in the DFB Cup, the team from Münster had their second chance within the 29th minute when Kara appeared in front of the goal after an excellent solo. Two minutes later, Loose hit the side netting. Nevertheless, Bochum nearly scored the longed for goal that would have put us in front. A Grote free kick hit Yahia who headed the ball on goal but only hit the left post. Minutes later, Bochum was unlucky again: Buchholz committed a foul against Sestak within the penalty area but referee Gagelmann did not whistle.

The second interval started turbulent as well. On the one side, Sowislo failed to convert after Loose’s brilliant pass and on the other side, Mimoun Azaouagh lost track of the leather after he had outmanoeuvred the opposing goalkeeper excellently (52nd minute). The match remained hard-fought but now chances were few. Both teams’ flat defences stood firm. Not until a set play in the 65th minute danger arouse again. An Azaouagh free kick forced Buchholz to parry in a risky way. Now, Bochum was predominant, Münster had more and more problems. 

It became obvious that none of the teams was keen on playing further 30 minutes but all effort to hit the target shipwrecked. Extra time. Right at the beginning the first moment of shock: Remmert appeared all alone and unattacked in front of Fernandes – the Portuguese reacted excellently and saved. The match was a thrilling cup fight and the underdog defended craftily and attacked boldfaced. Bochum however, did not stop to attack and challenge – but found no means to burst the bonds of the opponent. Thus, Bochum's best chance was a free kick by Christian Fuchs, unfortunately, Buchholz parried (113th minute). Only minutes later, again the strong Münster keeper saved another VfL chance. Penalty shoot-out! 

The 3,400 VfL supporters had reason to cheer right away: Fernandes saved the first penalty and Maltritz converted his penalty. Also Wissing, Sestak, Ivicevic, Pfertzel and Loose hit the target - 3:3. Then the shock: Ono’s spot kick missed the goal – everything was possible again! Lauretta converted for Münster, Vahid Hashemian saved us from a defeat. Then, it was Remmert’s turn. The leather rocketed towards the left corner but Fernandes parried! Now, Yahia “simply” had to hit the target and we would have reached the second round of the DFB Cup. Yahia as well choose the left corner of the goal and with his goal he brought an end to an absolutely thrilling cup match. All in all, our team was the better team but it was the luckier team as well.