Pre-Match Notes: After a convincing 4-0 win against RB Leipzig earlier this week, the VfL Wolfsburg Frauen are back to face TSG Hoffenheim. Wolfsburg has already faced Hoffenheim last week for the DFB Pokal Quarterfinals, and the She-Wolves would come away with a 3-0 win. Despite winning against Hoffenheim in the past, this team will still put up a fight and will be difficult to beat.

When it came to Wolfsburg’s match against RB Leipzig, there was great drive and pressure from the attack, especially from players like Sveindís Jónsdóttir and Jule Brand. Brand especially shined in that match with her relentless press up the left wing, and her efforts to get into the Leipzig box no matter what. Brand’s efforts would pay off in that match, as she would grab two goals and an assist. When it comes to this match against Hoffenheim, we need to see that same consistent drive in the Wolfsburg attack. We need to see that same intensity and urgency. If Wolfsburg can maintain an aggressive attack, they’ll be able to create plenty of chances for one another.

While that drive and urgency are important to the Wolfsburg attack, one area this team needs to work on is their connection in the box, and finishing. In the match against RB Leipzig, Wolfsburg could’ve had more goals, since the team created plenty of chances. However, the attack would miss clear chances in front of goal either due to a lack of awareness or, overall, a lack of connection. Since chances and opportunities to score against Hoffenheim may not come as easily as they did against RB Leipzig, that connection in the box, along with finishing is going to be important.

While Wolfsburg is starting to rediscover their attacking form, another area this team needs to work on is their defensive play in the midfield, as well as responding to opposing teams’ counterattacks and transitions. When Wolfsburg faced Hoffenheim last week, Hoffenheim was the most successful when it came to their counterattacks and transitions. At times, the Wolfsburg backline would almost be caught off guard. Going into this match, there needs to be good support in the defense and backline, as well as better recoveries from the Wolfsburg midfield and defense. If Wolfsburg can do that, they’ll be able to prevent Hoffenheim’s attack from getting forward, and will allow Jule Brand to get back on the attack.

Line Up Notes

Starting Eleven: We have Merle Frohms in the goal. For defenders Kathrin Hendrich, Dominique Janssen, Joelle Wedermeyer, and Marina Hegering. In the midfield and attack Lena Oberdorf, Chantal Hagel, Svenja Huth, Sveindís Jónsdóttir, Jule Brand and Alexandra Popp.

There isn’t much change from Wolfsburg’s last lineup against RB Leipzig. Wedermeyer is starting in place of Lynn Wilms, but as for the midfield and attack, there are no changes. While this current midfield and attack performed well against RB Leipzig, what we’re needing to see now from this Wolfsburg team is consistency. We need to see consistency when it comes to Wolfsburg’s mentality, their attack getting forward, their connection in the attack, as well as the team’s movement and control in the midfield. Wolfsburg can come away with a win in this match, but it’s going to come down to whether they’ll be able to replicate the dominance and intensity they demonstrated in their previous match.

First Half Notes

Hoffenheim 2-0.

It’s not the best first half performance from Wolfsburg, but it’s definitely not their worst. There is good pressure and control from Wolfsburg in the midfield. The team is winning those midfield battles, and the attack is able to get forward, despite facing resistance from Hoffenheim. Wolfsburg was able to create some crosses and services, some of which were throw-ins courtesy of Jónsdóttir. However, the team is still struggling to connect in the box and finish their chances in front of goal. There needs to be more support in the attack, as well as better connection and awareness.

As for the midfield and backline, they did well in this first half, despite Hoffenheim’s goal. They have been able to maintain pressure, recover possession, and as mentioned earlier, they have been winning those battles in the midfield. However, they need to do better when it comes to keeping possession, and not give away the ball so cheaply. The same could also be said for the team as a whole. Going into the second half, Wolfsburg should focus on keeping more possession.

Unfortunately, Brand hasn’t been able to get forward in this half, like she was able to in Wolfsburg’s last match. After Popp came off in this first half, due to injury, and was replaced by Fenna Kalma, Brand has dropped back to the midfield and it looked like Hagel has been getting forward. This is where Brand is needing to get forward with Jónsdóttir. She is an impactful player, and in order for her and the team to be successful, she needs to keep getting forward, and creating those chances. The attack getting forward is going to be key in the second half. Hopefully, Wolfsburg can do just that.

Second Half/Closing Notes

Hoffenheim Wins 2-1.

Goal Scorer for Wolfsburg: Brand (1).

Hegering’s handball in the Wolfsburg box would lead to a penalty kick for Hoffenheim. Hoffenheim would go up 2-0 after converting the penalty. Brand would get one back for Wolfsburg off a throw-in from Jónsdóttir, and a touch from Kalma.

This is a very disappointing loss for Wolfsburg, not because the team did anything wrong (except for Hegering’s handball in the Wolfsburg’s box), but because they were playing a lot better in this second half. They were playing with more intensity and urgency. This wasn’t the case of this team lacking commitment, drive or passion.

Wolfsburg were dominant when it came to possession and control. The attack was getting forward, and Brand was responsible for many build-up plays. Wolfsburg were creating plenty of chances and opportunities, many of which, were coming from Jónsdóttir’s throw-ins. Unfortunately, the team couldn’t break through Hoffenheim’s defense and couldn’t connect and finish their chances, despite having support in the box. The biggest lesson that this team can take away from this match is the importance of finishing your chances. While it’s disappointing that Wolfsburg couldn’t win this match, their performance was still promising, and the team has shown a lot of growth.