Pre-Match Notes: VfL Wolfsburg Frauen are facing Paris FC in their first leg of Champions League qualification. Paris FC have already knocked WSL club, Arsenal, out of the Champions League in a match that was determined by a penalty shootout. Many Arsenal and women’s soccer fans were stunned by this surprising turn of events, but it also solidifies that this team should not be underestimated at any cost.
When it comes to Wolfsburg, it’s going to be interesting to see how they do in this first leg against Paris FC. Wolfsburg had already played three regular season games, but their last match against FC Nürnberg was underwhelming to say the least. Yes, Wolfsburg still came away with a 1-0 win, but the lack of control, and turnovers in the midfield is concerning especially against a team like Paris FC, who will most likely take advantage, and punish Wolfsburg for those mistakes in the midfield. If Wolfsburg wants to do well and create those chances for the attack, they have to have better control and stability in the midfield.
It’s important to note, Wolfsburg has been dealing with some injuries. Earlier last week, Lena Oberdorf was experiencing some knee pain and was out for the match against Nürnberg. She did travel with the team to Paris, but it’s still unknown if she’ll be able to start. Sveindís Jónsdóttir is still out with injury. Viviane Endemann was also dealing with an injury, but could be available for this match. The team then announced on Monday October 9th, that starting goalkeeper, Merle Frohms suffered a concussion in the team’s final training session before leaving to Paris, and didn’t travel with the team.
Losing a starting goalkeeper is a big blow for any team, however the Wolfsburg still has newly signed back up goalkeeper, Lisa Schmitz. Before signing with Wolfsburg, Schmitz played for Montpellier in Division 1 Arkema. She has faced Paris FC before, so it’s going to be interesting to see how she plays against them this time around. Hopefully, that familiarity will kick in.
Line Up Notes:
Starting Eleven: We have Lisa Schmitz in the goal. For defenders Kathy Hendrich, Dominique Janssen, Joelle Wedermeyer and Felicitas Rauch. In the midfield and attack: Lena Oberdorf, Lena Lattwein, Viviane Endemann, Svenja Huth, Alexandra Popp, and Ewa Pajor.
Good lineup. It’s great to see Oberdorf back in the starting eleven. Hopefully her knee is doing all right and she is up for tonight’s challenge. It’s also good to see Endemann starting as well, although I’m a little surprised Jule Brand isn’t starting too. I would have thought Brand would start either with Endemann or Huth, or just all three together. Either way, Brand, Endemann, and Huth are good driving forces in the Wolfsburg midfield and attack, and they do create many chances for the attack. Hopefully, we’ll see some good services from Endemann and Huth in the first half, and then from Brand later in the second half.
The connection in the attack and in the box is going to be important for Wolfsburg in this match, along with stability and control in the midfield. The backline needs to watch out for counterattacks, transitions, and through balls. Clearances and recoveries in the Wolfsburg box also need to be quick. On top of that, there needs to be good support in defense. When it comes to Schmitz in this match, I’m interested to see how she does coming off her line and in 1v1 challenges.
Full Match/Closing Notes:
VfL Wolfsburg Draws 3-3 to Paris FC.
This most likely isn’t the result Wolfsburg was looking for, but the team is going to have to settle for the draw in this first leg. It wasn’t a bad performance from Wolfsburg when it came to their midfield and attack, but I would’ve liked to see more urgency and ruthlessness from Wolfsburg early on in the first half. Wolfsburg was able to strike first with Endemann being able to grab an early lead, but I would’ve liked to see the team maintain that same level of ruthlessness and drive throughout the first half. Captain Alexandra Popp was able to pull the team through with two nicely placed headers.
In a way, this match almost reminded me of Wolfsburg’s regular season match against Eintracht Frankfurt, where Frankfurt had the most control in the first half and was putting Wolfsburg under a lot of pressure. However, in the second half, Wolfsburg was able to come back, gain control, and launch their attack. The second half of this match against Paris FC seemed a lot better for Wolfsburg, but the midfield and attack are needing to be more ruthless. Similar to Wolfsburg’s last regular season match against FC Nürnberg, it has left me demanding and asking for more from the attack in terms of creating scoring opportunities.
A major area of concern for this team is, once again, their backline and defending. This has been a topic I have discussed numerous times. The backline and defense have been problematic for Wolfsburg since last season, and unfortunately, the issue persists into this season. Wolfsburg needs to respond better to counterattacks and transitions. In this particular match, it seemed to have improved in the second half, but there needs to be more consistency from the backline. Wolfsburg can score as many goals as they want. The team can have the majority of possession and be on the attack for most of every match. However, if the backline can’t defend, then it’s all for naught. Wolfsburg has plenty of capable midfielders, forwards, and strikers who can find the back of the net on good and bad days, but if the team cannot address the issues in the defense and backline, then Wolfsburg won’t go far in the Champions League, let alone the Frauen Bundesliga regular season.
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