The second half between FCZ and Winterthur was very tactical for a long time, and the two teams hardly had any chances. Mainly because the coaches had adjusted their defenses well to the respective opponents. But after a good quarter of an hour, FCW attacker Nishan Burkart changed the script with a double strike out of nowhere:
- 62nd minute: The eye-catching Sayfallah Ltaief shoots from the left side. Yanick Brecher lets the ball bounce forward, where Burkart can slide in unhindered to make it 1-0.
- 67th minute: Again, Burkart’s goal is preceded by a long-range shot. Matteo Di Giusto’s delivery is deflected by Lindrit Kamberi. The ball jumps into the air, Burkart stands in the right place and heads it to make it 2-0.
The Zurich coaching duo was now challenged – and made 4 changes. Nevio Di Giusto, Daniel Afriye, Armstrong Oko-Flex and Ivan Santini were set to set off fireworks in the final stages. But the Zurich team couldn’t get past the Winterthur defense this Wednesday. Things got dicey a few times before Marvin Keller’s goal, for example with Santini’s header chance in the 81st minute. However, the brilliant ideas that could have put Winterthur’s victory at risk were missing from the FCZ.
So the FCW, who were not necessarily the better team in this game, but the more efficient and powerful team, managed to win and celebrated their place in the cup semi-finals. In addition, the Eulachstadt team managed to eliminate their cantonal rivals in the cup for the first time in the 7th attempt. The FCZ, however, suffered its second defeat in its third game since parting ways with Bo Henriksen and has to wait for its first semi-final appearance since 2019.
Poor chances 1st half
Before the break, restraint was the key word. Both teams prioritized defensive work and chances to score were rare. The best opportunities came from set pieces: Di Giusto forced Brecher into a save with a long free kick in the 31st minute, and Mirlind Kryeziu headed centrally into Keller’s arms from close range five minutes later. It should continue in a similar way in the second round. Until Burkart changed this.
This is how it continues
Challenge league team Sion and YB will contest the last quarter-final in the Swiss Cup on Thursday (live on SRF two from 8:10 p.m.). Following the game, the semi-finals will be drawn in the studio, which will take place on the 27th/28th. will take place in April.
In the Super League, the Winterthur team continues on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. with the home game against Yverdon. The FCZ welcomes champions YB at the same time.