Pre-Match Notes: After a loss to Paris FC which resulted in VfL Wolfsburg being knocked out of the Champions League this season, the she-wolves are back to face TSG Hoffenheim in the Frauen Bundesliga regular season. This match is not going to be an easy one for Wolfsburg. Hoffenheim are currently number two in standings and they have history of being able to challenge Wolfsburg, and have even won against Wolfsburg last season. Wolfsburg could definitely win this match, but it’s going to require more effort from the team.

In this match against Hoffenheim, there needs to be consistency in the defense and backline. The backline, despite making one crucial error, did surprisingly well overall at holding off Paris FC’s attack. However, the backline can’t just do well in one game and then fall apart in the next game. As I’ve pointed out in the match against RB Leipzig, there needs to be better discipline when it comes to the Wolfsburg defenders. They have to be more cautious and aware, and they cannot be making dangerous mistakes that result in goal scoring opportunities for the opposing team. At the same time, they have to respond better to counterattacks and transitions

My main issue with Wolfsburg though, is their midfield and attack. In the match against Paris FC, there was a lack of control and possession in midfield. Wolfsburg were getting outplayed in the midfield in the first half, and now, going into this match against Hoffenheim, they have to have better control, movement, and touches in the midfield. They also have to play better under pressure, and be more aggressive when it comes to winning back possession.

When it comes to the attack, they have to be more ruthless and direct. There needs to be more urgency and drive in the attack. There also needs to be better connection between the attacking players, and in the box. We need to see more from the Wolfsburg attack. More crosses, more services, more attempts on goal, but in order for all that to happen, Wolfsburg needs to figure out what drives them as a team, and how they can get back that ruthlessness and intensity that this team is known for. This could involve playing some of the team’s newer signings, Riola Xhemaili and Fenna Kalma. These are young players that could be that breath of fresh air the Wolfsburg attack is looking for.

Line Up Notes

Starting Eleven: We have Lisa Schmitz in the goal. For defenders, Lynn Wilms, Kathy Hendrich, Dominique Janssen, and Felicitas Rauch. In the midfield and attack: Lena Lattwein, Alexandra Popp, Svenja Huth, Vivien Endemman, Jule Brand, and Ewa Pajor.

Lisa Schmitz is still starting in goal. Merle Frohms is still recovering from her concussion, but we may see her back in goal after the upcoming international break. As for the rest of this lineup, not much change from the Paris FC lineup. Interestingly enough, Lena Oberdorf and Kristin Demann are both on the bench. I’m guessing Popp is going to be sitting back deeper and playing where Oberdorf and Demann usually play. I understand the importance of resting Oberdorf, but Demann is also an alright option. Starting Demann would also mean Popp would be able to rest as well.

I do like this attack with Huth, Brand, and Endemann. They will be able to create a lot of chances for the attack, but instead of Pajor, Stroot could’ve gone with Xhemaili or Kalma, and maybe see how they could change Wolfsburg’s attack.

Note: Wolfsburg are in a 4-3-3 with Lattwein sitting back slightly deeper. Popp is playing up top.

First Half Notes

VfL Wolfsburg 0-2.

This is not good. Wolfsburg has had the most possession in this first half. Pace has been good. There is good movement and control in the midfield with Brand and Huth. Lattwein, I’m noticing, has been especially aggressive when it comes to winning back possession. Wolfsburg also had some really good chances and set pieces. Brand and Endemann have been great on the wings, especially Brand. She was able to get so many corners in this half, but Wolfsburg has been extremely wasteful with them. There’s no finishing ability. There have been plenty of crosses and services, plenty of opportunities for Wolfsburg to score, but they haven’t been able to put anything away. One of Wolfsburg’s biggest problems in this game is their lack of connection in the box. They can have the most possession in this game, Brand, Endemann, and Huth can create chance-after-chance, but if the team can’t get on the scoreboard, they’re going to lose.

As for Wolfsburg’s backline, it’s also not good. Two errors in the backline led to two goals for Hoffenheim. I know some fans question Schmitz’s goalkeeping ability, but like Merle Frohms, it’s not her fault if her backline can’t defend her properly. The backline has left her open a numerous times.

If Wolfsburg wants to comeback and salvage this match in the second half, they have to connect in the attack and finish their chances.

Second Half/Closing Notes

VfL Wolfsburg Draws 2-2.

That was quite the comeback from Wolfsburg. Overall, it wasn’t a bad performance from Wolfsburg. They were fairly dominant in possession and control throughout the match. Not only that, Wolfsburg maintained their attack going into the second half. It was great to see the pace and drive in the attack, especially in the final ten or twenty minutes. At the same time, there were more crosses and services from Brand, Endemann, and Huth. I would say both Brand and Endemann had a good game because they created a lot of chances. Brand especially picked up a lot of corners for Wolfsburg in this match, but as I pointed out in the first half, there needs to be better connection in the box. There have been plenty of chances created for Wolfsburg, but they have to finish and score.

It was great to see Fenna Kalma come on, but bringing her on in the 82nd minute or really late into games will not do much in terms of her development and getting her adjusted to the Wolfsburg attack. However, I think she would do well playing alongside Brand and Endemann a little more.

It is great that Wolfsburg came back and were able to come away with a draw, but this performance, much like against Paris FC, still leaves much to be desired.