Würzburg celebrates in cup thriller: Kickers defeat 1860 in penalty shootout

The Würzburger Kickers won the Bavarian State Cup (Toto Cup) on Amateur Final Day – in a final that for a long time looked like a "managed to the end" 0:1 and only turned with the last action. In the stadium at Dallenberg (AKON Arena), Würzburg saved themselves with an equalizer in the 90th minute to force a penalty shootout and prevailed there 5:3.

TSV 1860 Munich led for long stretches after Sigurd Haugen's goal (38th), but missed the big chance to decide the match after the break. This kept Würzburg in the game, who increased the pressure in the closing stages – and were rewarded. In the penalty shootout, Kickers goalkeeper Johann Hipper became the key factor with his save against Patrick Hobsch before Liam Omore converted the decisive attempt. For Würzburg, it is their fourth title in the competition after successes in 2014, 2016, and 2019.

1860 takes advantage of strong phase before halftime

In front of around 5,000 traveling fans, the Munich Lions took control in the opening minutes. The first good chance fell to Haugen, who shot into the side netting in the 18th minute. Würzburg initially rarely managed clean finishes: Ebrahim Farahnak shot low and too centrally in the 27th minute, Thomas Dähne was hardly challenged.

The longer the first half lasted, the clearer it became that the better chances were with 1860. Haugen missed a one-on-one with Hipper in the 31st minute after a through ball from Thore Jacobsen, but remained the most conspicuous attacking player for the visitors. Seven minutes later, the deserved lead came: After a situation that was not consistently cleared, Justin Steinkötter brought the ball in front of goal, Haugen headed in to make it 0:1 (38th).

The lead suited this phase of the game, as 1860 was more purposeful in the final third and Würzburg rarely got into finishing situations that really posed a threat.

Würzburg stays in the game and scores at the last moment

After the break, 1860 had the big opportunity to decide the final early. Samuel Althaus had already beaten Hipper, but Peter Kurzweg cleared off the line in the 49th minute. This scene was the turning point, even if it was not immediately visible on the scoreboard: Instead of a possible 0:2, the narrow lead remained – and thus the door stayed open for Würzburg.

The game became more open as a result. Würzburg now got into dangerous areas more often, but initially failed to force the equalizer. Jermain Nischalke hit the post in the 57th minute, and the bicycle kick from substitute Liam Omore flew over the goal in the 68th minute. On the other side, 1860 remained dangerous on the counter, but failed to score a second goal – and this missed "killer scene" became a burden in a high-pressure final.

In the 90th minute, the equalizer fell: The Munich defense did not clear a long ball consistently, Tarsis Bonga got a shot off and scored to make it 1:1. The ball was deflected and was hard for Dähne to see. From a final that had long tilted towards 1860, in seconds it became a game in which Würzburg suddenly had the psychological upper hand.

The final tips for good in the penalty shootout

After seven minutes of stoppage time, the decision came from the spot. Both teams initially scored confidently: For 1860, Haugen and Rittmüller converted, for Würzburg, Thomann and Bonga scored.

Then came the moment of the evening: Hipper saved Hobsch's penalty and gave the Kickers the advantage. Cissé took advantage with his goal, then Jakob shot wide to the right. This left the decision to Würzburg's last shooter – and Omore converted to make it 5:3 in the penalty shootout.

Sportingly, the final was more than just a formality despite both clubs already having secured their DFB Cup tickets before the final: Würzburg took the title and sent a signal for the next challenges, while 1860 let the decision slip after leading and several chances. For the Kickers, the cup victory is also a boost ahead of the upcoming third division relegation – and further proof of the pattern of this final: not longer control, but the final consequence decided it.