(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Stuttgart Survives Penalty Shootout Thriller to Advance in German Cup
Stuttgart kicked off their German Cup defense in dramatic fashion, edging Eintracht Braunschweig 8-7 on penalties after a thrilling 4-4 draw following extra time on Tuesday.
New signing Lorenz Assignon scored the decisive penalty – the 20th of the shootout – after goalkeeper Alexander Nübel made three crucial saves for Stuttgart. Forward Ermedin Demirović, who netted twice during normal time and also scored in the shootout, admitted the fans likely enjoyed the match more than the players themselves.
Braunschweig started strongly, with Sven Köhler giving the second-division side an early lead with a long-range strike. Demirović quickly responded with a diving header from Maximilian Mittelstädt’s cross, leveling the score. The seesaw battle continued as Braunschweig’s Fabio Di Michele Sanchez scored twice, including a stunning late goal to take the lead, only for Germany forward Nick Woltemade to equalize and force extra time.
During extra time, Stuttgart’s Tiago Tomás earned a crucial own goal from Sanoussy Ba, but Christian Joe Conteh leveled for Braunschweig, sending the match to an epic penalty shootout. Stuttgart eventually triumphed, setting up their next round clash in the cup.
