MATCH PROCEEDINGS
The match began at a high tempo on both sides. Frankfurt created the first attacking moments in the opening minutes, but Stina Johannes was quickly on hand to deal with an effort from Laura Freigang (4.). The She-Wolves then grew into the game and increasingly took control of proceedings. Following a corner, Geraldine Reuteler had to clear a header just in front of the line (7.). Lineth Beerensteyn also had a good opportunity but was denied by goalkeeper Lina Altenburg (27.). Eventually, the Green-and-Whites were rewarded for their strong spell: after a scramble in the penalty area, Huth pulled the trigger and put her side in front (34.).
After the restart, the game remained fiercely contested. The first dangerous action again came from VfL when Peddemors got a shot away after being set up by Vivien Endemann, but her effort was blocked (50.). Frankfurt then increased the pressure and came close on several occasions. Following a corner, Popp had to clear just in front of the line (61.), and shortly afterwards Johannes made a strong save to deny a header from Rebecka Blomqvist (71.). The She-Wolves threatened sporadically in the closing stages – for example through Huth, whose cross was narrowly missed (82.). In the end, the Green-and-Whites defended their slender lead with concentration and saw the game out.
GOAL
1:0 Huth (35.): After a cross from the She-Wolves, Frankfurt initially fail to clear the ball. During an attempted clearance, Elisa Senß strikes Beerensteyn, from whom the ball ricochets directly to Huth. The Wolfsburg player fires a shot that takes a deflection off Nina Lührßen and leaves goalkeeper Altenburg with no chance.
Reaction
Stephan Lerch: We are absolutely delighted that we ultimately managed to get this all-or-nothing game over the line with a 1–0 win. It was a very intense match in which both teams had their chances. At times, I would have liked to see a bit more composure and clarity in our play. We perhaps went ahead somewhat fortunately, and afterwards we actually wanted to have better and longer spells of possession – that didn’t always work the way we had imagined. Nevertheless, I have to pay my team a huge compliment. The players gave everything, fought until the very end and defended with great passion, which meant we were also able to finish the game without conceding. That’s why we are, of course, very happy about the win and absolutely thrilled to be in the semi-finals now. We are, of course, happy to take on the newly drawn tie in Jena and want to take the next step there to achieve our big goal: reaching the final in Cologne.
LINE-UPS AND STATISTICS
VfL Wolfsburg: Johannes – Linder, Dijkstra, Küver, Bjelde (75. Levels) – Minge, Popp, Peddemors – Huth (90. Zicai), Beerensteyn (75. Kielland), Endemann (58. Bussy)
Substitutes: Tufekovic (GK), Bergsvand, Kerim-Lindland, Pujols, Wedemeyer
Eintracht Frankfurt: Altenburg – Riesen, Doorsoun, Östenstad, Lührßen – Memeti, Gräwe (90. Veit), Senß (62. Blomqvist) – Reuteler (90. Markou), Freigang, Anyomi
Substitutes: Krumme (GK), Dilara Acikgöz, Iilayda Acikgöz, Ivelj, Teulings, Wolter
Goals: 1:0 Huth (35.)
Yellow cards: Minge / Reuteler
Referee: Franziska Wildfeuer (Viechtach)
Attendance: 2,183 on Wednesday evening at the AOK Stadion
