Topp with a treble: Bremen give Cottbus no chance

Lead by outstanding new signing Keke Topp, Bundesliga soccer team SV Werder Bremen easily advanced to the second round of the DFB Cup. The 20-year-old center forward scored all of Bremen's goals (32nd/37th/55th minute) in the 3:1 (2:0) win against third-division side Energie Cottbus. Henry Rorig (70) gave his own supporters at least one reason to cheer with a direct free-kick. Cottbus attacker Romario Hajrulla (78) was shown the red card after sliding into Werder goalkeeper Michael Zetterer with an outstretched leg.

Bremen gained confidence in time for the Bundesliga opener after a mixed pre-season. Ole Werner's team kick off the new season at FC Augsburg on Saturday. For Cottbus, it was the next setback this season after two defeats in the third division. The Brandenburgers have not won the DFB Cup since 2013.

Cottbus completely overwhelmed

In front of 20,524 spectators, Werder exuded dominance from the start and created a number of chances to score. Initially, Cottbus keeper Elias Bethke was able to thwart many Bremen chances. However, as his front men increasingly let him down, he too was powerless at some point. The Cottbus defense became increasingly porous and there was virtually no offense. Werder had almost 80 percent possession.

The half-time speech by Energie coach Claus-Dieter Wollitz only had an effect for a short time. The Lusatians were much more aggressive and surprisingly often found themselves in the visitors' half. However, this phase of pressure only lasted ten minutes before Werder took control of the game again - or rather Topp, who crowned his outstanding performance with a brace. Rorig's spectacular free-kick goal did nothing to change the outcome of the game.