Regional league team FC Homburg has caused the next sensation in the DFB Cup competition. After Bundesliga team Darmstadt 98, the Saarlanders now knocked second division team Greuther Fürth out of the race with 2:1 (1:1).
The Homburg team, coached by former Bundesliga professional Danny Schwarz, is in the round of 16 of the DFB Cup for the first time since the 1995/96 season.
Fabian Eisele (32nd minute) and Phil Harres (83rd) scored for the hosts; after the heavy rain of the past few days, the pitch in the Waldstadion was surprisingly playable. Branimir Hrgota equalized with a dry shot from 20 meters for the Fürth team (52′), who cannot win away from home this season.
Midfielder Julian Green almost took Fürth’s lead shortly after the equalizer, but was denied by the strong goalkeeper Tom Kretzschmar.
Homburg again with condom advertising
The former first division club Homburg played against the Franconians with a condom advertisement on their jersey sleeve, a cheeky reminiscence of the sensational advertising deal with a condom manufacturer in 1988 that was discussed nationwide at the time.
The hosts, who beat Bundesliga newcomers Darmstadt 98 3-0 in the first round, played without fear and repeatedly forced the favorites to make mistakes. The ball fell at the feet of Markus Mendler in the penalty area for the opening goal. The Homburg captain, who became a professional at Fürth’s arch-rivals 1. FC Nürnberg, served Eisele in the middle.
Harres under the crossbar
After the break, Fürth increased the pace, but after a counterattack, the Saarlanders took the decisive trick. Harres hit the ball under the crossbar at full speed – a remarkable goal that was enough to win.
The Homburgers can now hope for an attractive opponent. As a regional league team, they also enjoy home advantage in the round of 16. The draw will take place next Sunday (November 5th, 2023) on the ARD Sportschau.