18 attempts, DFB goalkeeper tragically defeated: Last-minute drama and penalty shootout thriller: St. Pauli knocks Hoffenheim out of the cup

It took 18 penalty shootouts to decide the winner: Bundesliga club St. Pauli advanced to the round of 16 of the DFB-Pokal against TSG Hoffenheim. The duel became dramatic even in extra time.

FC St. Pauli has ended its losing streak and reached the round of 16 of the DFB-Pokal for only the third time in 20 years. After five consecutive defeats in the Bundesliga, the Hamburg side beat TSG Hoffenheim 8-7 on penalties – successfully avenging the 3-0 defeat in the league nine days earlier. After 120 minutes, the score was 2-2 (1-1, 1-0).

Hauke ​​Wahl converted the decisive penalty, with Pauli goalkeeper Ben Voll saving two shots. Wahl had also given Hamburg the lead after just 44 seconds. Grischa Prömel equalized just as quickly after halftime (47th minute). Andrej Kramaric gave Hoffenheim the lead with a controversial handball penalty (107th minute). Wahl was struck on his tucked arm as he turned to the side. But Matias Pereira Lage forced a penalty shootout (120th minute+2).

There, of all places, both of the extra-time goalscorers failed to convert. The protagonists needed a total of 18 attempts. The (current) German national team number one, in particular, delivered a tragic performance. Hoffenheim's Oliver Baumann not only saved St. Pauli Lage's penalty, but also had his hand on the ball on several attempts.

The hosts got off to a lightning start: After Joel Fujita's shot was blocked, Wahl scored from the resulting corner to take the early lead. Hoffenheim struggled to shake off the shock and regain control of the game. But St. Pauli remained dangerous on the counterattack.

After the break, the visitors got off to a better start: Prömel headed in a corner from Andrej Kramaric to make it 1-1. Hoffenheim were now much more focused and committed, barely allowing St. Pauli any chances. However, they failed to create any clear-cut chances.

At the other end, Bernardo made a desperate save on the line after a skilful shot from substitute Abdoulie Ceesay (84'). Then, Pauli keeper Voll flicked the ball off Hoffenheim's Ihlas Bebou's foot (89'). In extra time, Wouter Burger hit the crossbar for TSG (98').