Reigning champions Bayern Munich also came within centimetres of a shock exit to FC Nuremberg and needed captain Oliver Kahn in top form to win 7-6 on penalties at the Olympic Stadium.

Dutchman Stevens knew only victory against Hansa would suffice after being issued an ultimatum of two wins from as many matches but nothing could have prepared him for a rollercoaster ride with many highs and lows.

Luizao put Hertha in front on 19 minutes before Markus Lantz drew Rostock level with 63 minutes gone.

Lantz then added his second deep into extra-time and Hertha looked set to crash out before Angolan Nando Rafael levelled with virtually the last kick of the match.

Hertha goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly then took over the role of hero saving Gernot Plassnegger's spot-kick to move Hertha into the last sixteen of the Cup and more importantly keep Stevens at the helm.

Bayern coach Ottmar Hitzfeld also endured an uncomfortable Tuesday evening with Robert Vittek shocking the hosts on 11 minutes before Dutchman Roy Makaay levelled.

Neither side could find a breakthrough in the 30 minutes of extra-time and it was left to goalkeeper Oliver Kahn to save the day parrying Marek Nikl's penalty to secure a 7-6 penalty-kick win for the holders.

Felix Magath's VfB Stuttgart turned in a workmanlike display to edge minnows Wacker Burghausen 1-0 and move into the last sixteen of the German Cup.

Substitute Imre Szabics scored the only goal of the match after 55 minutes as Stuttgart continue their bid for success on three fronts.

Werder Bremen came from behind to defeat VfL Wolfsburg 3-1 at the Weserstadion as the Wolves fell apart in extra-time.

Pablo Thiam put Wolfsburg ahead after just six minutes but the in-form Ailton equalised on 55 minutes for the hosts.

Locked 1-1 after 90 minutes extra-time was called upon and Frenchman Micoud found the net just five minutes in and Angelos Charisteas added another to give Bremen a comfortable win in the end.

Bundesliga strugglers Cologne came out on top in a see-saw battle with fourth division VfL Wolfsburg Amateure needing a late strike from Marius Ebbers to seal a 3-2 win and book their place in the next round.