Kevin-Prince Boateng has expressed his disappointment after Hertha Berlin were knocked out of the German Cup first round with a penalty shootout defeat at second division Eintracht Braunschweig following a sensational 4-4 draw.
Hertha were the only Bundesliga side to fall on Sunday, joining Cologne and Bayer Leverkusen in hitting the exit after their Saturday losses.
Davie Selke and Myziane Maolida put Hertha in front by halftime only for Brian Behrendt, with a penalty, and Lion Lauberbach to level after the break.
Immanuel Pherai then put the hosts ahead at the start of extra time but Hertha struck back through Lucas Tousart’s deflection and a neat finish from Dodi Lukebakio.
Bryan Henning levelled again for Braunschweig and smashed the winner from the spot to secure a 6-5 shootout shock.
“There are always games like this in the cup in which you get a kink, even though you’re 2-0 up and played an outstanding first half. We didn’t reward ourselves for that, we have to lead even higher at the break,” Boateng said after the game.
“Against teams like Braunschweig, who then fight like that, the same thing happens again and again. We didn’t convert several hundred percent chances, we have to make them, otherwise it will be difficult.”
The former Barcelona and AC Milan ace added: “It’s a shame because there were a lot of good things that we worked out during the preparations – but it shows that we have to keep working. We’re out, but it’s going on!”
The 35-year-old lasted for 64 minutes before being replaced by Tousart.
