For TSG Hoffenheim it was over in the quarter-finals of the DFB Cup. The favorite and serial winner VfL Wolfsburg was a size too big for the Kraichgau team.
Despite a good performance, TSG Hoffenheim has to say goodbye to the DFB Cup. Jule Brand (27th), Alexandra Popp (45th + 2) and Vivien Endemann (90th + 3) scored for the ten-time DFB Cup winners in an ultimately deserved 3-0 win for VfL Wolfsburg. Hoffenheim posed big problems for the favorites, but revealed major weaknesses when it came to set pieces.
Hoffenheim made life difficult for Wolfsburg
The Kraichgau women wanted to put all their passion against the Wolfsburg goal machine. Coach Stephan Lerch’s team was well staggered in defense and was particularly waiting for counterattacks in the early stages. This is how Hoffenheim got their first chance of the game. But Erëleta Memeti’s shot from the edge of the penalty area was too inaccurate (11th).
Wolfsburg had the better game system and therefore had little trouble letting the ball and opponents run. However, the Wolves were rarely able to convert their superiority into a goal threat. Therefore, they needed a corner for the first goal: former Hoffenheim player Jule Brand prevailed in a header duel against Marta Cazalla and scored (27′). No chance for Hoffenheim keeper Laura Dick.
Alexandra Popp shocks Hoffenheim in stoppage time
Melissa Kössler almost equalized after about half an hour. But after a corner, the 24-year-old slipped at the far post and was no longer able to control the ball onto the goal (31′). Hoffenheim remained the more dangerous team. But the favorites from Wolfsburg scored the second goal – again from a corner. This time it was national player Alexandra Popp who rose highest at the penalty spot and headed in an unstoppable shot for Laura Dick (45th + 2).
The clear lead did not necessarily correspond to Wolfsburg’s performance, which defended consistently but only stood out in the two set-piece situations. Hoffenheim remained dangerous even during the break. Gia Corley shot the ball towards the goal. But Wolfsburg keeper Merle Frohms was able to deflect the ball for a corner (53′). On the other hand, substitute Sveindís Jónsdóttir was too inaccurate in Wolfsburg’s first shot on goal in the second half (64′).
Endemann scored in stoppage time
The Icelander could have made everything clear in the 70th minute. But Laura Dick was able to parry the 22-year-old’s shot. The 20-year-old was also able to fend off the follow-up shot from Fenna Kalma, who was running with her. The game then petered out. Hoffenheim tried everything again, but Erëleta Memeti’s desperation shot (88th) missed the target. In stoppage time, Vivien Endemann scored the third goal for Wolfsburg and shot VfL into the semi-finals.
The semi-finals will take place on March 30th and 31st. Coach Tommy Stroot’s team has to play at home against SG Essen. This was the result of the draw immediately after the game.
Broadcast on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, 9:45 p.m., SWR Aktuell Baden-Württemberg, SWR BW
