1973 DFB-Pokal Final

German Cup Final

Match programme cover

Event

1972–73 DFB-Pokal

Borussia Mönchengladbach	1. FC Köln

2	1

After extra time

Date

23 June 1973

Venue

Rheinstadion, Düsseldorf

Referee

Kurt Tschenscher (Mannheim)

Attendance

69,600

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The 1973 DFB-Pokal Final, which decided the winner of the 1972–73 DFB-Pokal, took place on 23 June 1973 between Borussia Mönchengladbach and 1. FC Köln in the Rheinstadion in Düsseldorf. The sports magazine kicker described it as one of the "best, highest energy, and exciting" DFB-Pokal matches ever played. It was in this match that Günter Netzer infamously substituted himself on. Shortly after this, Netzer scored what would be the winning goal for Borussia.

As winners, Mönchengladbach qualified for the 1973–74 European Cup Winners' Cup.

Gladbach coach Hennes Weisweiler in nine years had raised Gladbach from the second tier of German football to top European football. A large contribution to this success was due to Günter Netzer, who Weisweiler shared a love-hate relationship. However, in the 1972–73 season, Netzer was plagued with weaknesses and injuries, and Borussia finished a somewhat disappointing fifth place in the Bundesliga. Shortly before the match, news broke that Netzer would transfer to Real Madrid in the summer, making the match his farwell for Borussia. The day before the final, Weisweiler announced that Netzer would not be in the starting lineup, as Weisweiler was already planning for Netzer's absence. To Weisweiler, Netzer replied, "that's brave of you". At the same time Netzer had to admit internally that the decision was justified due to concerns over his fitness. For his replacement, Weisweiler brought on Herbert Wimmer as central midfielder and team captain.

1. FC Köln had made the cup final thrice in the past five years, winning once, and went into the match as a slight favourites.

The DFB-Pokal began with 32 teams in a two-legged knockout cup competition. There were a total of four rounds leading up to the final. Teams were drawn against each other, and following two legs of 90 minutes each, the winner on aggregate would advance. If still tied, 30 minutes of extra time was played. If the score was still level, a penalty shoot-out was used to determine the winner.

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