The DFB-Pokal remains the most democratic of German competitions. This year's final at the Olympiastadion features a fascinating tactical battle between the established elite and the season's surprise package.
"The cup has its own laws, but we must bring our own order to the pitch," remarked a finalist manager. The focus has been on 'second-ball dominance' to maintain pressure in the final third. The emotional weight of the competition was evident in the semi-final rounds, where lower-tier clubs pushed the giants to their absolute limits.