Füllkrug scores twice off the bench as Werder Bremen push Dortmund in DFB-Pokal

Niclas Füllkrug came off the bench at half-time and scored twice for Werder Bremen against Borussia Dortmund in the DFB-Pokal, including one described as a stunning strike, as Bremen pushed their hosts hard before ultimately falling short of an upset.

Werder coach Daniel Thioune had left Füllkrug on the bench at kick-off — a decision he had signalled in advance — but turned to the striker in the second half, and the 33-year-old responded immediately. Thioune said after the match that "all of football Germany is watching Füllkrug" and praised the forward's form, noting that after a difficult period the striker is now in peak condition and enjoying full trust at the club.

The goals take Füllkrug to 11 in nine games this season on loan from West Ham United, who hold his contract until 2028. The loan arrangement includes no option to buy. FootVal's valuation of the centre-forward stands at €2m, against a Transfermarkt market value of €3.5m.

His form has prompted debate in Germany about whether national team coach Jürgen Klopp should recall the veteran to the Germany squad for the November international window, though no decision has been reported.