Cup of good hope

22 years later, the whole of Styria is on fire

(Bild: Krone KREATIV/Krone KREATIV, Adobe Stock)

Can you still remember the last (and only) all-Styrian ÖFB Cup final? After 22 years, it could be the case again in 2024 if DSV Leoben (Wednesday against Rapid) and Sturm make it to the final in Salzburg on Thursday. "Steirerkrone" expert Mario Haas looks back and talks about the duo's chances.

May, 2002! It may have been a long time ago, but it's hard to forget a GAK v Sturm cup final. Unfortunately, we lost 2:3 in front of over 15,000 fans at the Arnold Schwarzenegger Stadium. GAK striker Ronnie Brunmayr, who later joined us, knocked us out before the break. A blow for me - and for all Sturm fans.

But it could be a special week for Styrian soccer in spring 2024: First Leoben can show what they've got in the box against Rapid. You only have to look at the players DSV have in their squad - they are a dangerous team. If the game drags on for a long time, it will be uncomfortable for Rapid in front of the hot-blooded fans. With Leoben's Deni Alar, a former Rapid player will be on fire and give 150 percent. I haven't seen Leoben live yet this year - I'd like to catch up on that in the Cup final against Sturm.

Don't think too much - but go for it!(Bild: Marlene Borkenstein)

Because despite the defeat in the league against Salzburg, the Blacks have nothing to hide away from home! Because the league clash could have gone very differently. Salzburg were very dangerous on the counter-attack, but Sturm clearly set the tone at the beginning! You just have to score the necessary goals. Now we don't have to change much in the cup, just get on with the game. The quality is there - and the right mentality too! The good thing is that you don't have time to think about this defeat for long - you can hit back straight away.

And then? In the best case scenario, there will be a Styrian party in Klagenfurt!