The DFB-Pokal is one of Europe’s largest football (for Americans, soccer) cup games. The winners of this competition are automatically qualified for the Union of European Football Associations Europa League. Starting with 64 teams with 40 slots assigned from the earlier season: 18 from Bundesliga. The other 24 teams are awarded by the local competitions.

Energie Cottbus played against Werder Bremen Aug. 19 during the first round. Bremen did amazingly with a score of 3-1. Both teams put their all into the match to get into the second round of the DFB-Pokal. However, Bremen pulled through with two extra goals. 

In the first round, Bremen players Marco Freidl and Keke Topp scored two points during the last half. By the second goal from Bremen, the team became lively with playful gestures of keeping the ball away from the agitated Cottbus players, who were trying to get at least one goal before the first half ended. However, the team managed to keep the ball away from the opposing team, ending the first round with 0-2.

As the second half began, Topp again scored another goal for Bremen. Feeling the team’s energy, the arena — filled with 20,524 people — erupted into cheers. 

Although Cottbus struggled through the first half, they managed to score during the second round with a free kick from Henry Rorig, making the score 1-3.

Now, with a goal to their name, Cottbus became competitive, trying to tie the score and making it to a sudden death round. However, their competitiveness soon left them with only ten men instead of the standard 11.

Cottbus player Romario Hajrulla received a red card. Hajrulla sliced through the goalkeeper, Elias Bethke, as he held the ball down to the ground. Gasps filled the crowd as Hajrulla’s cleat connected with Bethke’s chin. In the aftermath, Freidl ran over and pushed Hajrulla, which caused an uproar among the other Cottbus players. While the scuffle did not last long, Bethke stood back up and continued playing despite his nasty collision with Hajrulla.

Now, with Hajrulla out, the team’s pride was damaged from seeing one of their skillful players being kicked out of the game with a few minutes left on the clock. Cottbus lost against Bremen, knocking them out of the competition and advancing Bremen to the second round of the DFB-Pokal.

I could feel my heart pounding and cheering with the crowd during the game. I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen as if every waiting moment would be a cherished memory.

This game was a testament to how much I love football and watching it as one of my favorite pastimes. My love for football, while still new, is strong. Watching this match only fueled the fire for this new hyperfixation. The passion these players have for the sport that they play is intoxicating. I felt it through the screen as I saw the players hug and pat each other on the back as they scored goal after goal.