The opening round of the DFB-Pokal sends Bundesliga clubs to amateur and lower league grounds, which is why it is described in Germany as the David against Goliath round. Small clubs move matches to larger stadiums, sell out their capacity and face opponents they would never otherwise meet. Every tie is a single game, with extra time and penalties if required.
Upsets are more common here than at any later stage, partly because professional teams arrive with little competitive rhythm and partly because pitch quality, tight stands and heavy travel favour the host. Rotation by the favourites adds uncertainty, and much of the prediction interest sits in which lower league side goes through.
Football rewards defensive structure and the handful of moments that break it, so low scoring makes small edges decisive. Home advantage, rest between fixtures and squad rotation during congested runs often matter more than raw quality on paper. Weather and pitch condition can flatten a passing side and push a match towards set pieces. Interest usually sits on goal totals, both teams to score, Asian handicaps and the draw, which stays unusually live here.
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