Uerdingen upset Bremen in Cup

Amateurs KFC Uerdingen 05 defeated SV Werder Bremen 4-3 in a penalty shoot-out to provide the first upset of the second round of the German Cup on Tuesday.

Solid performances
Bremen, who tasted the last of their four triumphs in the competition in 1999, had impressed lately, climbing to fifth in the 1. Bundesliga standings with a string of solid performances. Defender Tim Borowski put them into the lead after 17 minutes but Uerdingen, who had beaten first division FC Energie Cottbus in the first round, levelled with a penalty from Thorsten Schmugge ten minutes from time.

Shoot-out drama
Extra-time remained goalless and a shoot-out was needed. Uerdingen, who play in the third tier of the German league, won 4-3 after Germany striker Marco Bode and Dutch libero Frank Verlaat missed their efforts for Bremen. Uerdingen are now in the quarter-finals and can dream of lifting the German Cup for the second time after beating FC Bayern München in the 1985 final.

Stuttgart add to woes
Elsewhere, VfB Stuttgart added to Hamburger SV's woes with a 2-0 away win in one of two encounters between top-flight clubs. A first-half goal from midfielder Jochen Seitz and a second after the break from Romanian striker Viorel Ganea sent Stuttgart through to the last eight.

Disappointing show
Hamburg, who have won the German Cup three times, produced another disappointing show before their home fans. The 1983 European champions, who are a modest 13th in the 1. Bundesliga, have now gone five games without a win.

Holders struggle
Cup holders FC Schalke 04 needed a last-minute free-kick from veteran midfielder Andreas Möller to oust second division DSC Arminia Bielefeld 2-1. Denmark's Ebbe Sand had put Schalke ahead after 24 minutes but Polish striker Artur Wichniarek levelled for the visitors with a header in the 57th minute.

Hertha made to work
Hertha BSC Berlin were also made to work for victory, Hungarian midfielder Pal Dardai hitting their winner two minutes into extra time for a 2-1 victory over amateurs SC Rot-Weiss Essen. VfL Wolfsburg advanced in more comfortable fashion with a 3-0 win over SpVgg Unterhaching.