DFB Pokal wrap: Freiburg, Wolfsburg advance

26 February 2013 22:39

Freiburg staged a remarkable comeback to beat Mainz 3-2 in extra time and advance to the last four of the German Cup on Tuesday.

Trailing 2-0 after four minutes, Freiburg scored twice late on to force extra time before Daniel Caligiuri struck the match-winner in the 108th minute.

Mainz jumped out the blocks through Shawn Parker, who opened the scoring for the hosts in the second minute.

Niki Zimling doubled the advantage two minutes later, leaving Freiburg with an uphill battle to reach the semi-finals.

But the visitors were up to the challenge, rallying after Mainz defender Zdenek Pospech was dismissed for a second caution in the 65th minute.

Substitute Ivan Santini reduced the margin in the 86th minute before Caligiuri converted a penalty in the third minute of stoppage time.

Caligiuri silenced the home crowd in extra time, pouncing on Max Kruse's deflected low cross to seal the memorable victory.

Meanwhile, goals from Ivica Olic and Bas Dost guided Wolfsburg to a 2-1 win over third-tier outfit Kickers Offenbach.

Offenbach were yet to concede a goal in the competition, but were unable to repeat the feat against their Bundesliga opponents.