Pre-Match Notes: Before the international break, after being knocked out of the Champions League and losing their number one spot in the standings to Bayern München in the regular season, it seems as though things are starting to look up for Wolfsburg. Wolfsburg are on the right track to rebuilding their connection in the attack, along with finding their chemistry as a team. In my past articles and videos, I talked about how important it was for Wolfsburg to work on their consistency in the attack, midfield, and defense, and after their 5-0 Pokal win against Werder Bremen, the team is showing positive signs of improvement.

When it comes to this match against FC Köln, Wolfsburg is likely to come away with a win, but I want to see this team continue to develop their attack and build their attacking connections, especially when it comes to players like Fenna Kalma, Riola Xhemaili, Vivien Endemann, Chantal Hagel, and Jule Brand. Building consistency and developing chemistry with these attacking players will be beneficial for Wolfsburg in this match, and in their upcoming games.

Line Up Notes:

Starting Eleven: We have Merle Frohms in the goal. For defenders Lynn Wilms, Kathy Hendrich, Dominique Janssen, and Marina Hegering. In the midfield and attack, Chantal Hagel, Kristen Demann, Svenja Huth, Vivien Endemann, Alexandra Popp, and Ewa Pajor.

I’m a little surprised Nuria Rábano isn’t starting, however it’s important to remember, Rábano did go down injured towards the end of the second half in the match against Werder Bremen. Rábano confirmed after the match that she was all right. Perhaps Stroot is still resting her as a precaution. In Wolfsburg’s last few games, Rábano has proved to be a solid player, able to press with the attack, and support the defense. She has great pace, able to chase down runners, and chase after balls and passes behind the backline.

It’s good to see Lynn Wilms starting. In the match against Werder Bremen, she also had to come off due to injury, and fans were concerned because Wolfsburg has been dealing with a lot of injuries. Additionally, it’s also great to see Oberdorf on the bench for this match. She was out for some time due to a lower back injury. She could get some minutes in this match, but I don’t think Stroot or Wolfsburg is wanting to rush her recovery by having her play a full game yet.

As for the rest of the lineup, they should be able to get the job done in this match. Vivien Endemann has been great in the attack. If she can press and get ahead in the attack, she will be able to create some chances for herself and others. As long as Wolfsburg can connect in the attack, connect in the box, and finish their chances, they should do relatively well in this match.

First Half Notes

VfL Wolfsburg 2-1.

Huth was able to score a goal in the 21st minute, then Wolfsburg was awarded a penalty kick after Hendrich was fouled as she was running into the Köln box. Janssen was able to convert the penalty, making the score line 1-2 at halftime, in favor of Wolfsburg.

I think this half left a lot to be desired. It took awhile before Wolfsburg was able to get their attack off, and even then, there just wasn’t much connection in the box. At the same time, the midfield is having a hard time maintaining control due to Köln’s pressure. Going into the second half, there needs to be better control and stability in the Wolfsburg midfield, so that the team can get their attack off more effectively. There’s almost a disconnect between the midfield and attack, because of that the attack isn’t getting forward as much.

Köln has had the better chances and plays in this first half, and Wolfsburg is needing to be more careful when it comes to their transitions and counterattacks. Like I mentioned earlier, Wolfsburg not only needs to build consistency in the attack, they have to do it in the defense as well.

When it comes to the second half, I would like to see Wolfsburg get more settled and maintain better control of the midfield. Additionally, I would like to see Wolfsburg get their attack forward more, and create better chances. At the same time, there also needs to be better support in the box.

Second Half/Closing Notes

VfL Wolfsburg Wins 4-1.

Overall, this was a good win for Wolfsburg. Endemann and Wedermeyer were able to add to Wolfsburg’s scoreline in the second half. There wasn’t much change from the first half, but in terms of game management and control, Wolfsburg was doing really well. The match was somewhat tougher for both sides due to the rain, but Wolfsburg was able to keep control in the second half and were able to shut down Köln’s attack a lot better.

Wolfsburg were still able to get their attack forward and create some chances, but, much like the first half, there wasn’t much connection in the box. There weren’t enough viable chances being made, and there was no change of pace from the first half. Again, this could be chalked up to the weather making things more difficult for Wolfsburg and Köln. However, it’s important to note that, despite the rain, Köln were still able to get their attack forward and create some good chances and plays.

While Wolfsburg was able to get the job done in this match, and come away with the win and three points, I still think this wasn’t the best performance from Wolfsburg. There wasn’t much change from the first half, and it still left much to be desired.