VfL Wolfsburg are through to the DFB Cup semi-final for the third time in as many years, thanks to Ricardo Rodriguez’s 72nd minute penalty and a strong André Schürrle performance. The result means that Wolfsburg are still involved in three competitions – Bundesliga, DFB Cup and Europa League.
Despite their recent upturn in form in the league, Freiburg missed out on the opportunity to make it through to the semi-final for the second time in the club’s history. They previously reached that stage of the competition back in 2013. Manager Christian Streich made seven changes to the team who beat 1. FC Köln 1-0 at the weekend. Although his team put in a solid performance, they were unable to get revenge for the 3-0 defeat they suffered to Wolfsburg four weeks ago in the Bundesliga.
Wolfsburg get off to a slow start
Wolfsburg tried to control the game straight from the off but found it difficult against their resolute opponents. World Champion Schürrle, who was recalled to the starting line-up, had the first real chance of the game when he tried his luck from distance. Freiburg goalkeeper Roman Bürki pulled off a top-drawer save to turn the ball behind for a corner.
Freiburg fought to get a foothold in the game and threatened going forward. Jonathan Schmid had their best chance but Wolfsburg keeper Diego Benaglio was equal to his free-kick, tipping it over.
After half an hour, the hosts upped the pressure on the visitors. Playmaker Kevin De Bruyne became more influential, picking out his teammates with some clever passes and helping to carve out real openings for his team. Bas Dost had the best opportunities to fire Wolfsburg into the lead but he was twice denied by Bürki. The Freiburg goalkeeper also managed to get a hand to Vieirinha’s powerful long distance drive, diverting it behind.
Wolfsburg have over 60 percent possession
Wolfsburg continued to dominate at the start of the second half. Schürrle cut inside and got on the end of Luiz Gustavo’s through ball but his shot from a tight angle flew just past the far post. A similar chance fell to De Bruyne but he failed to finish from eight metres out.
The Wolves kept the pressure up, had over 60 percent possession and did better in 50-50 challenges; however, the home side lacked a cutting edge for a long period. Schürrle spurned another fantastic chance after being set-up by Dost. In the 72nd minute, Julian Schuster fouled Caligiuiri in the area and Rodriguez converted the subsequent penalty.
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VfL Wolfsburg are through to the DFB Cup semi-final for the third time in as many years, thanks to Ricardo Rodriguez’s 72nd minute penalty and a strong André Schürrle performance. The result means that Wolfsburg are still involved in three competitions – Bundesliga, DFB Cup and Europa League.
Despite their recent upturn in form in the league, Freiburg missed out on the opportunity to make it through to the semi-final for the second time in the club’s history. They previously reached that stage of the competition back in 2013. Manager Christian Streich made seven changes to the team who beat 1. FC Köln 1-0 at the weekend. Although his team put in a solid performance, they were unable to get revenge for the 3-0 defeat they suffered to Wolfsburg four weeks ago in the Bundesliga.
Wolfsburg get off to a slow start
Wolfsburg tried to control the game straight from the off but found it difficult against their resolute opponents. World Champion Schürrle, who was recalled to the starting line-up, had the first real chance of the game when he tried his luck from distance. Freiburg goalkeeper Roman Bürki pulled off a top-drawer save to turn the ball behind for a corner.
Freiburg fought to get a foothold in the game and threatened going forward. Jonathan Schmid had their best chance but Wolfsburg keeper Diego Benaglio was equal to his free-kick, tipping it over.
After half an hour, the hosts upped the pressure on the visitors. Playmaker Kevin De Bruyne became more influential, picking out his teammates with some clever passes and helping to carve out real openings for his team. Bas Dost had the best opportunities to fire Wolfsburg into the lead but he was twice denied by Bürki. The Freiburg goalkeeper also managed to get a hand to Vieirinha’s powerful long distance drive, diverting it behind.
Wolfsburg have over 60 percent possession
Wolfsburg continued to dominate at the start of the second half. Schürrle cut inside and got on the end of Luiz Gustavo’s through ball but his shot from a tight angle flew just past the far post. A similar chance fell to De Bruyne but he failed to finish from eight metres out.
The Wolves kept the pressure up, had over 60 percent possession and did better in 50-50 challenges; however, the home side lacked a cutting edge for a long period. Schürrle spurned another fantastic chance after being set-up by Dost. In the 72nd minute, Julian Schuster fouled Caligiuiri in the area and Rodriguez converted the subsequent penalty.
