WSG with narrow victory: "One of our worst performances of the season"

WSG Tirol is in the UNIQA ÖFB Cup quarter-finals for the first time in seven years.

In a true thriller, Wattens prevailed 4-3 on penalties against FC Wacker Innsbruck in the Tyrolean derby (To the match report>>>).

The penalty drama was only decided after the 14th shooter. For Thomas Sabitzer, who converted as the first shooter, it was also a new experience.

"I've been part of a few penalty shootouts in my career, but I don't think one that went all the way to the end like this. And of course, the fans and the atmosphere made the whole thing even more exciting," says Sabitzer.

"We actually always practice penalty shootouts"

The supposed reason for the dramatic penalty shootout was also a change in WSG's routine.

Wattens coach Philipp Semlic says: "Actually, before Cup matches, we always practice penalty shootouts. But not this time, to be honest. We didn't have the time."

But Semlic could rely on his goalkeeper: "We know that with our number 1, we have a top talent between the posts. Salko Hamzic is a national player, and you could see the quality he possesses."

"A few percentage points were missing"

However, despite advancing to the next cup round, the Bundesliga club was not entirely satisfied with their performance, as second-division side Wacker dominated large parts of the match.

"We are happy with the advancement, that was our big goal. But we are not satisfied with the performance, because we need to make it much clearer. A few percentage points were missing in focus and concentration, and then it becomes difficult against any opponent," says Semlic.

Sabitzer, who scored the temporary 2-1 lead in extra time, was also not at all satisfied with his own performance.

"The Cup has its own rules, but this was one of our worst performances of the season. Nevertheless, we are happy in the end to be in the quarter-finals," says the attacking player.