1. FC Köln have moved into the last 16 of the DFB Cup. On Wednesday evening, the Rhinelanders won 2-0 at VfB Stuttgart to punch their ticket to the last 16. After an even first half, it was three substitutes who swung the pendulum in Cologne’s direction.
A single contact, that’s all Modeste needed. It was the 72nd minute at Stuttgart’s Mercedes-Benz Arena, Cologne’s attacker had been on the pitch for less than 60 seconds when the ball fell at his feet. Stuttgart goalkeeper Bredlow had blocked a shot from Uth to the side, Modeste was in the right place and scored to give Cologne the lead.
Just five minutes later, Modeste was on the spot again. This time Duda crossed the ball in the penalty area and it was again Modeste who finished at the second post from a few metres.
Uth, Duda and Modeste: They had all been substituted, they all gave a turn to a long tough football match. When referee Deniz Aytekin later brought the game to an end, 1. FC Köln was the deserved winner. The Rhinelanders had progressed to the Cup round of 16, while Stuttgart had failed mainly due to their lack of penetrating power.
Baumgart makes changes in eight positions
Stuttgart coach Pellegrino Matarazzo made three changes to his starting eleven after the 1-1 draw with Union Berlin. Mangala, Didavi and Klimowicz played instead of Karazor, Nartey and Al Ghaddioui. Cologne coach Steffen Baumgart, on the other hand, left only three players in his starting line-up. Only Hector, Ljubicic and Özcan had started in the 2:2 against Leverkusen at the weekend and were also among the eleven selected in Stuttgart.
In the first 45 minutes, there was no denying the effort of both teams, but the offensive lines lacked precision, determination and moments of surprise. The 26,375 spectators saw a passionate game, but one that largely lacked scoring chances. Shortly before the break, Mavropanos tried from a distance (44th) and shortly afterwards Thielmann tested VfB goalkeeper Bredlow (45th).
After the break, Cologne shifted the game into Stuttgart’s half. At first Klimowicz (48.) and Didavi (54.) fired shots, but then FC built up pressure. In the end, it was the jokers who had their feet in the game for the two goals of the evening and thus made the difference.
And so Cologne entered the last 16. The draw will be made on Sunday to see who the Rhinelanders will face there. The day before (3.30 p.m.), FC will play Borussia Dortmund, while Stuttgart will play Augsburg on Sunday (3.30 p.m.).
