Hertha Berlin spring upset as Heidenheim's Pokal dreams end in controversy

Under a floodlight Olympiastadion, Hertha Berlin took on Heidenheim in the second-round of the DfB Pokal. Frank Schmidt’s side fell victim to a cup upset as Hertha ran out 2-1 winners despite late controversy.

What a night in the German capital for Die Alten Dame. Flying high in the second tier of Germany’s football pyramid, Cristian Fiel’s blue and white stripes managed to pull off one of the shocks of the second round by knocking Heidenheim out of the DfB Pokal tonight. Yet, the game didn’t pass without a controversial conclusion as Heidenheim players cut frustrated figures at full-time.

Hertha opened their account for the evening in the 16th-minute as Maza took on Lennard Maloney on the left and crossed low into a central position. The wiley Florian Niederlechner couldn’t get to the ball before Gimber, however the clearance fell kindly for Derry Scherhant whose left-footed effort rattled the net. 

Substitutes continued to flow for both teams as the tension grew for those in blue and white in Berlin. Although both sides had chances, former Bayern Munich midfielder Michael Cuisance added the insurance goal with just over 15 minutes remaining. Schuler held off Dorsch to drive forward and free the Frenchman. Creating space with a neat stepover, the 25-year-old left Frank Feller with no chance from close range. 

Heidenheim eventually showed signs of life late on to leave fans on the edge of their seats. Mathias Honsak cut down the left wing to cross for Schimmer in an onside position to head home. Retrieving the ball for an instant kick-off, controversy arose as Paul Wanner appeared to send the game to extra-time with a late equaliser. But a cruel twist awaited Heidenheim as Schimmer was adjudged to have fouled his marker Dardaí in the build up to the goal. The judo-style throw most obvious upon replays.