Frauen DFB Pokal Cup Round of 16 Review (30-10-11)

Frauen DFB Pokal Round of 16:

Frankfurt 1 Wolfsburg 0

Wolfsburg’s dream of winning the DFB Pokal cup was disrupted by last year’s champions, FFC Frankfurt. According to VfL Wolfsburg’s website, Wolfsburg had early scoring chances but failed to convert. Frankfurt’s goal keeper, Angerer, made a few key saves to secure the clean sheet. (In this season’s Bundesliga action, Angerer has only given up one goal) 

Wolfsburg’s folly occurred during the second half. Playing an offside trap (which is risky against any team and perhaps not wise against Frankfurt), Wolfsburg’s Verena Faißt tried to push away a dangerous pass with Frankfurt’s Garefrekes approaching. Unfortunately for Faißt and Wolfsburg, the ball was pushed into the goal, giving Frankfurt a 1-0 lead due to an own goal. (KICKER has an excellent photo of the own goal) 

To make matters worse for Wolfsburg, Goeßling picked up her second yellow of the match. Although playing down a player, Wolfsburg still battled offensively for the elusive tying goal. Despite throwing numbers forward into the offensive attack, Wolfsburg  could not score and was eliminated from the DFB Pokal Cup.

Lok Leipzig 6 FV Löchgau 1

Lok Leipzig had few problems against 2 Bundesliga South team, FV Löchgau.  Six different players scored for Leipzig. FV Löchgau’s goal was a penalty kick by Van Bonn in the 20^th minute.

Lok Leipzig’s goals:

Klotz (11), Toth (35), Ebermann (39), Lübcke (63), Heller (70), M. Hermann (81)  M. Herrmann (81)

Hamburger SV 2 SC Freiburg 0

Hamburger SV secured their advanvement into the next round by scoring two goals in the second half against another top flight Bundesliga team, SC Freiburg.  Hamburger had previously defeated Freiburg 2-3 during the Frauen Bundesliga 6^th round match. Kameraj scored twice for Hamburger during that match and scored Hamburger’s second goal to ensure Hamburger’s advancement into the next round during today's DFB Pokal Cup.

Goals: Timmerman (48), Kameraj (86)

Turbine Potsdam 4 VFL Sindefingen 1

Nagasato scored twice, leading Turbine Potsdam to a comfortable victory over VFL Sindefingen. Berger started in goal for Turbine Potsdam.

Bayern Munchen 2 USV Jena 0

Bayern Munchen and USV Jena were scoreless at the end of regulations and needed extra time to proclaim a winner.  Bayern Munchen scored early in over time, with a goal by Lotzen in the 94^th minute. Bachor’s goal in the 110^th minute secured Bayern’s victory. USV Jena’s coach, Martina Voss-Tecklenburg seemed to have unsuccessfully altered her formation/starting line-up that was showing progress during the last few weeks.

SC 07 Bad Neuenahr 3 1899 Hoffenheim 1

Celia Okoyino da Mbabi dominated this match for Bad Neuenahr. Okoyino da Mbabi secured her hat-trick in the 69^th minute due to a penalty kick.  C. Schneider scored for Hoffenheim in the 76th minute to deny Bad Neuenahr’s Schult a clean sheet.

FSV Gütersloh 2 Werder Bremen 1

FSV Gütersloh needed over time to defeat Werder Bremen. Widoswki opened the scoring for Gütersloh in the 22^nd minute. Werder Bremen was able to level it up just before half time with a goal by Wallenhorst. The winning goal was scored in the 106^th minute by Anabel Jāger, who according to KICKER, is only 17 years old!

Duisburg 10 Herforder 0

Duisburg had little trouble piling on the goals against Herforder. Popp achieved an impressive “double” hat-trick, scoring six goals—including the four final goals. For a more detailed look at Popp’s achievement, please go here.

Popp scores 6

Somewhat overshadowed by the success of Lira Bajramaj and the international Frauen Bundesliga scoring sensation, Anonma, Alexandra Popp has quietly performed well for her Frauen Bundesliga team, FCR 2001 Duisburg. Despite the departure of Inka Grings, Duisburg has successfully transformed into a multi-scoring threat team. Popp is the second leading scorer of the team (3) behind Laudehr (4). After the round of 16 DFB Pokal Cup, perhaps, Popp will not be overlooked again.

Achieving a hat-trick in the world’s beloved game is rare--achieving a double hat-trick even rarer. Fresh from coming off the bench and scoring Germany’s lone goal against Sweden (October 26), Popp scored six out of Duisburg’s ten goals—including the last four goals scored.

No one should be surprised of Popp’s scoring explosion. During the last U-20 World Cup, Popp was awarded the Golden Ball and Golden Boot, scoring ten goals in just six matches.  Popp is a well-rounded player and has succeeded playing both defensive and offensive positions. Known for her speed and technical skill, Popp is definitely one of Germany’s most promising young stars. At only 20 years of age, Popp should have a long and promising career. Could this be the start of her taking her career to the next level? Popp will next be in action with Duisburg against Bad Neuenahr on November 6 and with Germany on November 19 against Kazakhstan.

                Here’s a breakdown of Duisburg’s goals:

Laudehr (8)

Popp (18)

Popp (21)

B. Müller (27)

Bresonik (41)
Cengiz (47)

Popp (53)

Popp (57)

Popp (67)

Popp (74)

Frauen Bundesliga Week 1 Review

Week 1 Post Game Notes: Each week I will be bringing you notes and highlights from the Frauen Bundesliga. These are summaries and not meant to be a tactical analysis. From time to time, I will publish a more in depth tactical summary of individual matches.

FFC FRANKFURT 3 SG Essen-Schönebeck 0

Attendance: 2750

Starting formations:

Frankfurt: 4-4-2

                  Angerer

Percival  Bartusiak, Kumagai Weber

Huth, Behringer, Marozsan, Smisek

     Landström           Bajramaj  

Subs: Krieger for Percival (70) ; Thunebro for Kumagai (70) Garefrekes for Landstrom (63)

USA ALERT: Krieger subs in at 70th minute 

ESSEN-Schonebeck: 4-3-3

Holl

Mester, Tarr, da Silva Costa, Hauer

Martini, M. Hoffmann, Oliveira Leite

Dallmann  Wolf     Hartmann

Subs: Dorpinghaus for Leite (55); Hamann for Dallmann (55); Klasen for Wolf (77)

Essen was able to prevent Frankfurt from scoring until the 38^th minute. Poor defending by Essen Schonebeck allowed Smisek to generate a clear shot on goal. As Essen players literally jumped and turned rather than stepping up and blocking, Smisek fired a perfect shot on goal. Easy look…easy shot…easy goal. Lira Bajramaj dominated the remainder of the match. Bajramaj is a brilliant and authentic attacker. Her use and dominance on the flanks is mesmerizing. Bajramaj set up numerous scoring chances with dangerous crosses and slotted balls into the box. Frankfurt’s second goal was created by Bajramaj once again controlling the left flank.  Bajramaj worked the ball into Behringer, who delivered a lofted ball into the box. Huth headed the ball into the back of the net. Just three minutes later, Bajramaj fired a strong shot for Frankfurt’s third and final goal. Essen-Schoenbeck left Bajramaj completely open and unmarked.

Impact players: Bajramaj seemed unstoppable against Essen-Schonebeck.

 

Turbine Potsdam 4 Hamburger SV 0

Starting Formations:

Turbine Potsdam 3-4-3

Berger

B. Schmidt, Peter, Kemme

Odebrecht, Zietz, Cramer, Hanebeck

Mittag  Nagasato Anonma

Subs: Andonova for Mittag (74), I. Kerschowski for Nagasato (74),

Hamburger SV: 4-3-3

Weech

Engel, Brüggemann, Haye, Simon

Timmermann Ewers , Meiforth

Bagehorn        Kameraj, J. Wich

Subs: Brenner for Ewers (46) Salander for Bagehorn (65), Nohr for Timmermann (80)

Watch highlights on DFB TV

Game notes: To say that Turbine Potsdam completely dominated Hamburger SV may be an understatement. Early on, Hamburger struggled in the midfield and rarely had possession.  In fact, Hamburger’s midfield appeared to be non-existent on numerous occasions.  The 2011-2012 Turbine Potsdam squad plays with a significant amount of speed. Fast play combined with superior technical skills and tactical precision, Turbine Potsdam was difficult to dispossess. Turbine Potsdam wasted no time in initiating their scoring blitz. Nagasato with the softest perfected touch, headed a crossed ball from Hanebeck back to Anonma. With a merticulousness finish in the 8^th minute, Anonma continued to prove that she is a world class striker. Turbine Potsdam continued to dominate using every inch of the field. Anja Mittag was feisty, creative, and dangerous. Mittag, combined with Nagasato and Anonma create a lethal trio.

As if to return the favor for the first goal, Anonma sent a ball in towards the center of the pitch (top of the box). Kemme played the ball to Mittag who delivered a quick touch to Nagasato. The World Cup Champion scored Turbine Potsdam’s second goal in the 20^th minute.  Shortly after the goal, Hamburger’s Wich had a 1 v 1 scoring chance but Berger made a sliding save which resulted in a sure goal saved by her legs.

After 40 minutes of almost complete domination, Turbine Potsdam began to lose their patience and started to send numerous long flighted balls to their forwards. Although not an ideal tactic, Zeitz long pass to Nagasato in the 58^th minute resulted in Turbine Potsdam’s third goal.  Potsdam’s final goal was a brilliant deadly strike a good distance from goal by Anonma. 

Potsdam’s forwards consistently applied high pressure on Hamburger’s back line causing many Hamburger turnovers. Hamburger’s team appeared to be constantly frustrated.

Impact players: Nagasato, Anonma, and Mittag (Potsdam) and Jessica Wich from Hamburg. Interesting to note—Wich played with Potsdam the last few seasons. Wich is a solid striker. Unfortunately, she did not have much support during this game.

FF USV JENA 0 Wolfsburg 3

Starting Formations:

USV Jena 4-4-2

                                                             Schroffenegger

Roelvink, Radtke, Brosius, Milde

Heinze, Schiewe, Kraus (59. Stübing), J. Arnold (64. Beil)

S. Arnold, Hearn (81. Lehnert)

Subs: Stubing for Kraus (59); Beil for J. Arnold (64); Lehnert for Heam (81)

Wolfsburg: 4-4-2 or 4-2-2-2

Vetterlein

Faißt, Omilade, Henning, Bunte

Keßler Goeßling

Jakabfi,  Blässe

M. Müller, Pohlers

Subs: I. Hartmann for Blasse (68); Larsen Kaurin for Pohlers (79); Bock for Kessler (83)

Game notes: Wolfsburg began the match strong creating numerous scoring chances early in the half. In the 12^th minute, Kessler was able to head the ball in to score off a cross from Faisst. The top goal scorer from the previous season, Connie Pohlers (played for Frankfurt last season) continued to display her dominance as a scoring power, scoring twice for her new club, Omilade missed a penalty kick opportunity in the 76^th minute. Look for Jena to improve as the season progresses. Former Duisburg coach, Martina Voss-Tecklenburg, should provide valuable leadership to this team.

FCR 2001 Duisburg 2 FC Lok Leipzig 1

Starting Formations:  4-1-3-2

Duisburg:

Bellinghoven

Himmighofen, Krahn, Neboli, Jacome Silva)

Laudehr

Oster      Ando,      Islacker

Popp,       Wensing

Subs: Weichelt for Jacome Silva (60); B Muller for Oster (68); Bresonik for Wensing (83)

Lok Leipzig: 3-5-2

Härling

Krengel, L. Schneider, van Bonn

Lübcke, Lahr (89. Homp), M. Herrmann, Heller, Toth (56. Ebermann)

Patzke, L. Meyer (74. Ludwig)

Subs: Homp for Lahr (89), Ebermann for Toth (56), Ludwig for L. Meyer (74)

Game Notes: Unfortunately for Duisburg, a major distraction rested in the hearts of their players. Former captain and star, Inka Grings, had announced that she was leaving the team. (Read about it here). With Duisburg distracted, Patzke’s dazzling play enabled Meyer to score in the 14^th minute giving newly promoted Leipzig the early lead. Despite Leipzig counterattacks, Duisburg stayed steady and by the second half found new determination. Alexander Popp successfully headed in a goal off Islacker’s free kick. Duisburg needed substitutions to fully take control of the match. Weichelt scored the go ahead goal in the 85^th minute. Despite major difficulties, Duisburg manages to obtain three points with the victory.

Bayern Munchen 3 Bayer Leverkusen 0

Starting Formations:

Bayern Munchen         4-3-3

Längert

Mirlach, Schöne, Baunach  Wenninger

Simic, Wimbersky, Feiersinger

                       Rudelic  Banecki Bachor

Subs: Hartmannsegger for Rudelic (78); Romert for Banecki (86); Schnaderbeck for Baunach (89)

Bayer Leverkusen: 3-4-3

L. Schmitz

Knopp, Prießen Kasperczyk

Hendrich, Götte, Moik  Weber

         Schwab Thompson, Knaak

Subs: Elsig for Priessen (31); Beckmann for Moik (56); Heep for Schwab (75)

Game notes: Rudelic was the star of the match today, immediately setting the tone for the match by scoring in the opening minutes of play. Rudelic’s creative play created numerous scoring chances for Bayern Munchen. Leverkusen struggled to generate any offense against Bayern Munchen.  Bachor scored in the 26 minute and Feiersinger scored in the 89 to secure Bayern Munchen’s win.  

Bad Neuenahr 2 SC FRIEBURG 2

Attendance: 915

Starting Formation for Bad Neuenahr: 4-3-3

                                         Schult

      S. Schröder, Störzel, C. Schröder, L. Maier

    Doorsoun-Khajeh    Kuznik,           Rech

   Okoyini da Mbabi,   Pyko                Gregorius

Subs used: Selensky (90) for Doorsoun-Khaieh; Petzelberger(54) for Pyko; Nati (66) for Gregorius

Starting Formation For Frieburg: 4-4-1-1 or 4-2-2-1-1

Brunner

Boschert, Zirnstein, Nowak, J. Maier

Krüger, Hegenauer

Leupholz, Sainio

Miraoui

Makanza

Subs used: Igwe (77) for Hegenauer; Kayikci (60) for Miraoui; Lohmann (66) Makanza

Cards: Zirnstein (Freiburg)

USA ALERT (IGWE enters game in 77th minute) 

Match Recap: Bad Neuenahr’s introduction to newly promoted SC Freiburg sparked a realization that their back line had to contain Freiburg’s ability to score.  Surprisingly to the home side’s fans, Freiburg dominated play until the middle of the second half. Lydia Miraoui fired a 25 meter first touch shot that rebounded off Bad Neuenahr’s goal keeper, Schult.  Melanie Leupholz was in perfect position for the rebound and easily scored Freiburg’s first goal of the 2011-2012 season.  

Bad Neuenahr’s nervous play continued into the second half.  A free kick in the 48^th minute results in Frieburg’s second goal, scored by Miraoui. Bad Neuenahr’s captain, Okoyini da Mbabi was instrumental in both of their goals. Doorsoun-Khajeh scored in the 72^nd minute followed by an Okoyini da Mbabi goal to level the match in the 84^th minute.  Despite Bad Neuenahr gained composure, they were unable to find a winning goal.

Impact players: Okoyini da Mbabi and Miraoui

Germany Names WWC 2011 Team

German World Cup Squad:

 

 

Goal Keepers:

·         Nadine Angerer (FFC Frankfurt)

·         Ursula Holl (FCR Duisburg)

·         Almuth Schult (Magdeburger FFC)

Defenders:

·         Saskia Bartusiak ( FFC Frankfurt)

·         Babett Peter (Turbine Potsdam)

·         Annike Krahn (FCR Duisburg)

·         Linda Bresonik (FCR Duisburg)

·         Bianca Schmidt (Turbine Potsdam)

·         Lena Goessling (SC Bad Neuenahr)

·         Verena Faisst (VfL Wolfsburg)

Midfielders:

·         Simone Laudehr (FCR Duisburg)

·         Melanie Behringer  (FFC Frankfurt)

·         Celia Okoyino da Mbabi (SC Bad Neuenahr)

·         Kim Kulig (Hamburger SV)

·         Ariane Hingst  (FFC Frankfurt)

·         Kerstin Garefrekes  (FFC Frankfurt)

·         Fatmire Bajramaj (Turbine Potsdam)

Forwards:

·         Inka Grings (FCR Duisburg)

·         Birgit Prinz (FFC Frankfurt)

·         Martina Mueller (VFL Wolfsburg)

·         Alexandra Popp (FCR Duisburg)

Notes:

Left off the Roster: Anja Mittag, Josephine Henning, Sonja Fuss, Conny Pohlers, Lisa Weiss

Most Surprised by: Anja Mittag left out

Like:

·         Popp listed as a forward—often plays marking back. I see her more as a solid international attacking threat. She is tough—able to withstand a few knocks.

·         Attacking line is very intimidating. Prinz, Grings, and Mueller are all solid scorers. Popp is also very technically sound

Club Breakdown:

Entire squad plays professionally in the Frauen Bundesliga (Germany’s professional women’s league) and one 2 Bundesliga team (Magdeburger FC)

·         Frankfurt: 7

·         Duisburg: 6

·         Turbine Potsdam:3

·         VFL Wolfsburg: 2

·         SC 07 Bad Neuenahr: 2

·         Hamburger: 1

·         Magdeburger FC: 1

Most CAPS:

·         Prinz 209

·         Hingst 170

·         Garefrekes 123

·         Angerer (GK) 95

Fewest CAPS (non-goalies)

·         Faisst 3

·         Popp 9

·         Schmidt 14

Most Goals:

·         Prinz 128

·         Grings 61

·         Garefrekes 41

 

How FCR 2001 Duisburg Tactically Defeated Frankfurt

Perhaps nothing could illustrate as to why 2001 Duisburg was able to defeat favored home side Frankfurt better than the panned camera shot of the Frankfurt bench wrapped in heavy blankets as one sheepish player yawned a yawn that lasted more than the allotted extra time. Frankfurt was caught napping.

Tactically, Frankfurt was superior during much of the first half. Creating numerous options offensively, Frankfurt tested the 4-1-4-1 Duisburg formation. With Duisburg’s lone striker, Inka Grings, unable to apply any dangerous high pressure on Frankfurt’s back four, Frankfurt was able to patiently establish a possession game. Rarely trying to find central gaps on the pitch, Frankfurt weaved in and out of Duisburg’s compacted midfield by attacking the flanks. Numerous simple overlapping runs down the flank allowed for Frankfurt to have multiple options for their player in possession of the ball. Although Frankfurt managed to produce numerous goal scoring opportunities, they failed at finding the back of the net. Perhaps even more condemning, Frankfurt players often passed on an opportunity to take a shot.

Similar to a 4-5-1, the 4-1-4-1 is obviously a very defensive formation. The 4-1-4-1 will compact a midfield and provide a team with a holding midfielder. The holding midfielder is the key to the success of this formation. Offensively, the wing players must be explosive and creative. Duisburg looked sub par within this formation. Defensively, Duisburg did manage to shut down Birgit Prinz. However, Frankfurt’s command of the flanks produced many dangerous situations. Offensively, Duisburg was not creative out of the 4-1-4-1. They lacked creativity, dangerous runs, and any support for Grings. Often unable to string together more than two consecutive passes, even Alexandra Popp’s occasional success on the wing led to few attacking situations.

Martina Voss-Tecklenburg knew that the 4-1-4-1 formation was not working well for her team. After a half time pep talk and tactical changes, Duisburg’s return to their more familiar 4-4-2 formation ignited a surge of offensive power. Duisburg began pressuring high which created dangerous moments. After comfortably passing along the backline during most of the first half, Frankfurt’s back four failed to adjust to the new pressure. At one point. Frankfurt precariously played the ball across their own defensive box while a chasing Duisburg player came within inches of intercepting the ball.

Duisburg began playing with momentum. Frankfurt failed to adjust. Soon after Oster was replaced by Kozue Ando, a foul was committed by Frankfurt on the left side near midfield. The 71^st minute produced the lone goal of the afternoon. A quick restart and beautiful long over the top pass from Fuss to Grings caught a slow to react Frankfurt off guard. By the time Frankfurt reacted to the quick restart, Grings had already successfully scored.

image from FFC 

Voss-Tecklenburg adjusted her formation once again in hopes of maintaining the lead. Mandy Islacker entered in for Maes, and Bresonik was moved to holding midfielder. Ann Von Bonn replaced Annemieke Kiessel in the 80^th minute to round out Duisburg changes. Despite last minute pressure, Duisburg goal keeper, Christina Bellinghofen, denied Frankfurt an equalizer.

Great adjustments from Voss-Tecklenburg combined with Grings leadership ensured a Duisburg victory. For Frankfurt fans, all is not loss. Blame winter break for their slow start to 2011. Frankfurt plays Saarbrucken next week while Duisburg has a difficult challenge against Turbine Potsdam.

Side game notes:

• Birgit Prinz was ineffective and not impressive today. She was subbed in the 66^th minute.
• USA midfielder Ali Krieger stood out for Frankfurt today. Her brilliant game was only tarnished by not finishing what seemed like an easy opportunity against a diving keeper.
• Kerstin Garefrekes continues to maintain her reputation as a tough midfielder. Knee bloodied offensively dangerous, and slammed a ball into the gut of a Duisburg player who tried to stall by delaying her throw-in at end of game.
• With the absence of Abby Wambach and continuing struggles with the 4-4-2, the US Women’s National team performed well in a 4-1-4-1 formation during the Four Nations Tournament

More on Popp

From Reportage, Deutsche Welle. An in-depth look (in German) on rising star, Alexandra Popp.  For more information on Popp, check out this post.
  

Now that the USWNT has qualified for the WWC, Women's College soccer is winding down, and the WPS is in the off-season, I will now turn my women's soccer coverage overseas. Focusing primarily on the German Bundesliga, expect updates every Monday. Many of this Sunday's matches were canceled to inclement weather leaving the focus to rest on power house and current second place Potsdam as they take on Wolfsburg and Martina Mueller.

Future Women's Soccer Star; Germany's Alexandra Popp

Every four years, the world is introduced to emerging young soccer talent showcased in the World Cup tournament. With the Women’s World Cup being held in Germany next Summer, why not have an advantage in discovering the World’s next crop of super stars? As the months lead up to Germany 2011, this blog will strive to familiarize readers with the world’s next Martas and Mia Hamms.

As a special homage to the Women’s World Cup hosts, Germany, the first rising star will spotlight Alexandra Popp. Any fervent follower of the women’s game will have previously learned of Popp from her success at the U-20 Women’s World Cup this past summer. Leading Germany to the championship, Popp scored an impressive ten goals in just six matches. Popp was awarded with the Golden Ball and Golden Boot.
Born on April 6, 1991, Alexandra Popp is only 19 years of age. At 5’8 (1.74 meters) she has sufficient size. Popp’s greatest asset may be her versatility. Manager’s have the luxury of placing Popp anywhere on the left flank. Popp has used her experience as a left back to emerge as a speedy and threatening left wing attacker on the National squad.

Her success at the international level was evident even prior to her phenomenal performance during the U-20 World Cup. While playing with the U-17 squad she made 25 appearances and netted in 16 goals. Similar success followed her at the U-19 level with eight appearances and seven goals. Highlighted by the accomplishments in the U-20 World Cup, Popp scored 14 goals in nine appearances. Playing with the senior squad since early 2010, Popp has made 6 appearances and has scored two goals.

Alexandra Popp currently plays for the club team, FCI 2001 Duisburg. Recording impressive minutes as a starter, Popp has only been subbed out of one match during the past two seasons. This year, Popp has scored four goals as her team battles for the top positions in league play.

Follow Alexandra Popp through her club team’s web page: FCI 2001 Duisburg.