Whatever happens when Borussia Dortmund take on VfL Wolfsburg in the 72nd edition of the DFB Cup final on Saturday evening, it is a fixture that will secure its place in the record books. Because for the first time ever in Germany, goal-line technology is set to be used.

Though there have been a number of controversial incidents over the years, it was not until Mats Hummels' disallowed goal in last year's final between BVB and Bayern Munich - a decision which had a major impact on the result of the match - that a rethink occurred. 

"I'm very happy that it seems to be changing, that a ball crossing the line will now always be given as a goal," said Mats Hummels today, before adding: "The important thing is to be fair and to minimise the number of mistakes made by the officials. I hope that this help will be introduced across the board in all competitions and will work very well."

Wolfsburg's coach Dieter Hecking declared that "everything that makes sport a little bit fairer is a good thing" in the build-up to goal-line technology's debut appearance in Germany, but expressed concerns that there would be fewer talking points for fans in the aftermath of the final. "That's what I thought - until last year," countered BVB boss Jürgen Klopp.

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From tomorrow onwards, the beautiful game will be that little bit fairer. And perhaps, one day, Mats Hummels' name will be as inextricably linked with goal-line technology as Hans Tilkowski's is with the Wembley goal...

Boris Rupert