BERLIN (AP) — Nadiem Adli’s brilliant free kick was enough for Mainz to overcome Dynamo Dresden 1-0 in the first round of the German Cup on Monday.
The former Germany midfielder lifted the ball over the defensive wall and in off the left post in the 22nd minute, the only goal from a game in which second-division club Dresden missed more chances.
In the final minute, Jakob Lemmer hit the side netting, leaving many home fans with their heads in their hands.
Mainz coach Bo Henriksen was sent off shortly beforehand for holding onto the ball as the tension increased in a nervy finale.
Hertha through on penalties
Sebastian Grönning scored the winning spot kick for Hertha Berlin to progress against second-division rival Prueßen Münster 5-3 on penalties after their game ended scoreless with extra time.
The home team had by far the greater chances — 27 shots at goal compared to Hertha's 11 — but couldn't make any of them count.
Fortuna Düsseldorf won at third-division Schweinfurt 4-2.
Borussia Dortmund was playing later at nearby Rot-Weiss Essen. Essen, which won the German championship in 1955, is in the third division.
___
AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
Ciarán Fahey, The Associated Press
