Pre-Match Notes: It is 2024, a new year for the VfL Wolfsburg Frauen. The She-Wolves are approaching the second half of their season. No doubt, the first half of the season was brutal for Wolfsburg. They were knocked out of the Champions League, they were struggling to connect and find their rhythm and chemistry as a team, and even as the first half of the season came to a close, it still looked as though Wolfsburg was struggling to build consistency in their attack.

On the upside, Wolfsburg was able to end 2023 on a high note, pulling off a miracle win against Werder Bremen and regaining their number one spot in the standings after initially losing it to Bayern Munich. This match against Hoffenheim will be a good test for Wolfsburg before the Frauen Bundesliga regular season kicks off.

Line Up Notes

Starting Eleven: We have Lisa Schmitz in the goal. For defenders Dominique Janssen, Joelle Wedermeyer, Marina Hegering, and Karla Brinkmann. In the midfield and attack, Lena Lattwein, Jule Brand, Sveindís Jónsdóttir, Riola Xhemaili, Ewa Pajor and Fenna Kalma.

There appears to be a new defender in the Wolfsburg backline. Her name is Karla Brinkmann. Brinkmann is 20-years-old and plays for VfL Wolfsburg’s second team in the second division of the Frauen Bundesliga. Sara Agrez has recently departed from Wolfsburg to FC Köln, so Brinkmann could be a good addition to the backline. It’s going to be interesting to see how she does in this friendly.

Overall, this is a very interesting lineup. No Alexandra Popp, Lena Oberdorf, and Merle Frohms. However, it’s great to see players like Xhemaili and Kalma getting to start in this match. Additionally, it’s good to see Jónsdóttir back with the team again. She was out for the first half of the season due to injury, but with her back in the Wolfsburg starting eleven, hopefully we’ll be able to see more press and drive in the attack. There is great attacking and goal-scoring potential with players like Xhemaili, Brand, Kalma, Jónsdóttir, and Pajor, but the challenge is going to be getting these players to connect with one another in the attack. On top of that, there has to be good control and movement from the midfield, in order for Wolfsburg to get their attack off more effectively.

Note: Wolfsburg and Hoffenheim will be playing three 30 minute halves.

First Half Notes

Wolfsburg 1-0.

An assist from Jule Brand was able to find Jónsdóttir, which lead to Jónsdóttir scoring the first goal of the match.

It was an all right first half. There appeared to be better control and possession from Wolfsburg as the first half went on. Wolfsburg is still needing to do better when it comes to Hoffenheim’s counterattacks and transitions. Despite being able to shut down Hoffenheim’s attack for the most part, it’s still something they have to watch out for.

When it comes to Wolfsburg’s attack, they’re getting forward, but there isn’t much connection in the attack. There’s still a disconnect between the midfield and attack, and the team is needing to work on their connection and chemistry a little more. Going into the second and third halves, I would like to see Wolfsburg create more chances and services, because they were definitely lacking in that area.

Second Half Notes

Wolfsburg 2-0.

Huth went down after getting her jersey pulled in the Hoffenheim box. Wolfsburg was awarded a penalty kick, which Janssen converted, making the score line 2-0 for Wolfsburg.

The second half looks a lot better for Wolfsburg. There was better control and possession, better movement in the midfield, especially from Brand, who appeared to be fighting to get on the ball no matter what. The attack was getting forward, and there were more crosses and services coming in. Wolfsburg made nine substitutions in the second half and those changes were also good for Wolfsburg. Huth was able to create more chances for the attack. Rábano was able to make some important recoveries, while also being able to press with the attack.

The main thing Wolfsburg needs to work on is their connection in the box. Yes, the attack is getting forward, there are crosses and services coming in, however Wolfsburg needs to connect in the box, and finish their chances. Much like the first half, I would like to see Wolfsburg continue to create more crosses and services, but I would like to see the team make more attempts on goal.

Third Half/Closing Notes

VfL Wolfsburg Wins 2-0.

This was an interesting test game/club friendly. There were plenty of good things from Wolfsburg in this game. There was great control and possession, that got better in the second and third halves. There was great movement and control in the midfield. With the changes to the backline in the later halves, there appeared to be better stability in backline, however, that is still an area that needs more improvement.

When it came to the attack, there were more crosses and services being created, especially with Huth and Endemann coming in. I liked the connection and touches between Huth and Endemann especially. Endmann’s press and drive in the attack was refreshing to see. There was good support in the box, however, Wolfsburg’s biggest problem in this game was their connection in the box and finishing. I liked that Wolfsburg was able to get their attack forward, especially when they were struggling with that in the first half, however, the attacking players need to finish their chances. They need to score goals. Besides that this was overall a good performance from Wolfsburg, and a great test for this team. Hopefully, this is a good sign moving forward into the second half of the season.