TVMK debacle, Kristal's sparkle

Gussev goal
It has been three years since the Estonian Football Association opted to kick off the national cup with a level playing field, and it proved its value again as the second round draw brought up a number of interesting matchups. The meeting between JK Nõmme Kalju and TVMK, both in the top five of the league, was chief among them. TVMK ran out emphatic 5-1 winners when the sides met in June, and looked to be on course for a similar success when Vladislav Gussev gave them an early lead.

Kalju comeback
Former players Mikk Haavistu and Ingemar Teever came back to haunt them, however, and though Eduard Sarajev restored parity, Kalju conjured a dramatic last-minute winner as Felipe Nunes's long-range effort flew into the bottom corner. It was a goal worthy of winning any game and TVMK coach Sergei Ratnikov was taken aback. "I couldn't recognise my players," he said. "I don't know what is happening – in training they look alright, but as soon as the game starts they are like different people. We were controlling the game, but conceded some very easy goals."

Close calls
Holders FC Flora Tallinn appeared to have a far easier task against a fourth-tier JK Kotkad Tallinn side that included 43-year-old forward Enn Läänmäe. They made hard work of it, however, with Juha Hakola's first-half strike all that separated the sides. JK Vaprus Pärnu found the going even harder as they again struggled against second division opponents. Having needed extra time to see off Võru JK 2-1 in the first round, they overcame a half-time deficit to oust Tabasalu Palliklubi.

Old guard
Champions FC Levadia Tallinn had no such problem as they overwhelmed fifth-tier EMÜ SK Tartu 10-0, a scoreline matched by fourth-level FC Toompea as they beat lowly FC Soccernet Tallinn. That match was especially interesting as the victors had some big names in their ranks, led by Estonian legend Marko Kristal. He won 143 international caps, while Urmas Kirs (80 caps), Argo Arbeiter (29), Toomas Kallaste (42) and Mati Pari (22) also brought in hefty experience. Soccernet also boasted experience of their own – their midfield engine was current national coach Tarmo Rüütli, four days shy of his 54th birthday.