WAC and Hartberg: Historical ÖFB Cup final in Klagenfurt!

WAC and Hartberg: Historical ÖFB Cup final in Klagenfurt!

Klagenfurt, Österreich - On Wednesday evening, April 3, 2025, TSV Hartberg achieved a significant success in the Uniqa ÖFB-Cup by reaching the final for the first time. The team prevailed against Vienna Austria and secured a place in the final. At the same time, the WAC (Wolfsberger AC) also set up a historical milestone by winning the penalty shootout against LASK and thus moving into the final for the first time in its club history. This was reported by laola1.at

The WAC is lucky that the final on May 1st in its own stadium, the Klagenfurter Wörthersee Stadium, takes place, which means a clear home advantage for the team. This is also an opportunity to win the last trophy for a Carinthian team since the success of FC Carinthia in 2001. FC Carinthia won the 2001 trophy again in 2003 and is therefore the only Carinthian team that was in the final before the WAC.

key to success

In the semi -finals, the WAC showed a remarkable performance, despite an early deficit when Max Entrup hit the LASK in the 5th minute. WAC coach Dietmar Kühbauer criticized the regeneration time of his team after the game because the LASK had played two days earlier. Nevertheless, the WAC recovered and achieved the compensation by Chibuike Nwaiwu. Both teams stepped into the extension, which was shaped by exhaustion before the penalty shootout had to be decided.

The WAC goalie Nikolas Upholster became a match winner after parried a decisive penalty. Thierno Ballo converted the last penalty, which underlined team dynamics and self -confidence of the players. Kühbauer emphasized that all players were ready to take responsibility from the penalty series.

anticipation for the final

The WAC looks at the final duel with anticipation. Kühbauer encouraged the players to celebrate the victory, allowed them one or two beers, but pointed out to avoid excesses. He also hopes for numerous fans in the stadium to support the team. Next Sunday, the WAC has an important away game against the Viennese Austria, even before the grand finale.

The Uniqa ÖFB-Cup, which was launched in 1919 and was held in a knockout system, attracts numerous teams every year. The competition enjoys moderate popularity, and the number of spectators is usually lower than in the Bundesliga. Nevertheless, the final is a highlight of every football year in Austria, and the history of the cup is rich in exciting encounters and surprises. The ÖFB-Cup offers many teams the opportunity to qualify for the UEFA Europa League and is an important component for Austrian football.