Undavs toe poke propels Stuttgart over Kiel into German Cup semi finals

Deniz Undavs unusual toe poke set Stuttgart on course for a 3-0 victory against Holstein Kiel on Wednesday, advancing them to the German Cup semi finals.

As Kiel pressed for a way back late in the game, Undav provided the assist for Chris Fuehrichs goal in the final minute, while Atakan Karazor netted another during added time to ensure the result was secure.

Stuttgart claimed a third goal in farcical style when Karazor slipped inside the penalty area and nudged the ball over the line using his hip.

This achievement represents the third time in four seasons that Stuttgart, the reigning Cup champions and four time winners, have progressed to the semi finals of the tournament.

Under bitterly cold conditions with temperatures below zero in northern Germany, Kiel performed admirably against their strong favourites yet could not convert their efforts in a contest offering scant clear cut opportunities to either team.

After 56 minutes, Angelo Stiller curled in a free kick, allowing Undav to find a pocket of space amid the congestion in the box before prodding the ball with his toe, sending it looping beyond the back line and dipping under the bar.

Kiel came close to forcing extra time when Aldin Jakupovic surged through one on one with Stuttgart keeper Alex Nuebel, only to slice his finish astray.

As 2025 winners, Stuttgart now accompany 2024 champions Bayer Leverkusen in the final four. Next week, RB Leipzig, victors in 2022 and 2023, face a trip to 20 time champions Bayern Munich, as Hertha Berlin entertain Freiburg.

The semi final draw takes place in Dortmund on 22 February, with the showpiece event set for Berlins Olympic Stadium on 23 May.