Frankfurt's Fall: An examination of the possible causes of Frankfurt's recent losses

November has not been kind to FFC Frankfurt. Bayern Munchen may have started it all in October:

As Nadine Angerer turned around to look at the first ball that had crossed her goal line during the 2011-2012 Frauen Bundesliga season on October 16, Germany’s number one goal keeper probably had dismissed the goal as trivial. Austrian international Laura Feierisinger’s goal made the 7-1 defeat less painful for Bayern Munchen. For Frankfurt, perhaps the goal opened their Pandora’s box.

Summarizing Frankfurt’s matches since Spieltag 7:

DFB POKAL OCT 30^th defeated Wolfsburg 1-0 via own goal by Faisst

UEFA CHAMPION’S LEAGUE November 2 defeated PSG 3-0; Lost to PSG 2-1 on November 9 but still advanced on aggregate (4-2)

FRAUEN BUNDESLIGA:

• Spieltag 8: Frankfurt suffered a 1-0 loss to Freiburg. Spectators and viewers across the globe noticed that Freiburg was playing with confidence and poise against the super power Frankfurt.
• Spieltag 9: Frankfurt could not defend against Potsdam’s offensive power and could not overcome a first half two goal deficite. Lost to Potsdam 2-0.
• Spieltag 10: Wolfsburg avenges own goal DFB Pokal loss with a 1-0 victory. 

Possible Causes of Frankfurt’s Lack of Production:

• Coaching—Sven Kahlert has failed to produce a consistent tactical approach in guiding Frankfurt. With several star players, Kahlert has numerous options with starters and formations. However, Kahlert’s carousel of starters may have caused a lack of rhythm with the team. Players are often seen “out of sync” with one another. Team work is poor. Weak effectiveness of linking up between lines exists. The Defensive line is inconsistent and often falters against counter attacks. Technically, Frankfurt is a superior team. Tactically, they are often the weaker team.
•    Absence of Connie Pohlers—Sandra Smisek, Bajramaj, and Garefrekes have all contributed significantly to Frankfurt offensively. However, Frankfurt seems to be lacking the consistent “go to” pure striker.  Although Bajramaj is without a doubt one of the most dangerous players on the ball, she seems to enjoy the role of “play maker” more than “scorer”. Bajramaj is craving a consistent natural striker to slot the ball to for easy finishes. Garefrekes still remains dangerous, but at the midfield role, Frankfurt cannot expect her to be the main scoring threat. The majority of Sandra Smisek's goals have been from penalty kicks as well as three goals against Bayern Munchen in Spieltag 7--at 34 years of age, her productivity may be dwindling. 
• Where is the leadership? Often when watching Frankfurt play—we witness numerous individual attempts to change the game—but team dynamics seems lacking and few rally around the individual stepping up in the leadership position. Who is going to bring this team together?
• Burned-out/mental fatigue--with the number of internationals on their roster, many Frankfurt players may be feeling both mental and physical fatigue from national team duties, the DFB Pokal, UEFA Champion's League, and post World Cup blahs.
• Angerer needs a better defense to make up for her technical errors. Loose marking and out of shape defensive play has exposed Angerer’s errors.

   Above is an image from DFBTV's Potsdam/Frankfurt highlights. Notice Angerer's position and notice Garefrekes in bottom left corner

Now notice the positioning when ball is slotted back towards middle. Angerer is slow to move and remains out of position. Garefrekes is not within this view--clearly showing that Potsdam's Cramer had positioned herself for the finish without proper pressure from Garefrekes

Notice Angerer's positioning here--on the video you can see how slow she reacts to the ball movement. This frame illustrates how Garefrekes allowed Cramer to have an open shot

Finally, Angerer's slow reaction and poor positioning combined with Garefreke's poor defending results in Turbine Potsdam's first goal.

DFBtv FFC Frankfurt/Turbine Potsdam Highlights from Spieltag 9

Watch the link above (DFBtv) and pay attention to Frankfurt's central defenders and how they fail to transition back effectively against Turbine Potsdam's counter attacks--and again against Freiburg Freiburg/Frankfurt

With two significant matches against Duisburg and Essen-Schonebeck, Frankfurt cannot wait until winter break to correct their tactical weaknesses.

Frauen Bundesliga Spieltag 5 Preview (Week 5 preview)

Spieltag 5 Preview 

All matches are on Sunday 2 October

Four games are scheduled to begin at 11:00 German time (5:00 am USA Eastern Time zone) and two are scheduled to begin at 14.00. (8:00 am Eastern Time Zone)

11:00 Matches:

 

Frankfurt versus Bad Neuenahr

Frankfurt suffered a difficult first leg 1-0 loss against Norway’s FK Stabæk earlier this week in the UEFA Women’s Champion League.  As a result, Frankfurt should be eager to show their fire and passion once again on the pitch.  Bajramaj should have little problems weaving in and out of the Bad Neuenahr defense.  Behringer should also be dangerous offensively. Keep an eye on Garefrekes who has lately missed chances on goal yet is still phenomenal with her crosses from the flank.

Bad Neuenahr is offensively led by Pyko and Petzelberger and look for the return of national team member, Celia Okoyino da Mbabi , from injury.  Even if Celia Okoyino da Mbabi was 100% healthy, Bad Neuenahr would still have a difficult time defeating  Frankfurt.

 

Hamburger versus Bayer Leverkusen

Hamburger seems to have the advantage against last place team, Bayer Leverkusen.  Both teams have struggled offensively.  Leverkusen and Hamburger have both only managed to score three goals this season.  Hamburger has conceded eight goals and Leverkusen has conceded thirteen.  Hamburger may have the “mental” advantage after last week’s admirable 2-0 loss to Frankfurt. The same cannot be said for Leverkusen, who failed to hold on to a 2-0 against Lok Leipzig and lost 3-2. 

 

Lok Leipzig versus Freiburg

Lok Leipzig will look to build momentum after obtaining their first Bundesliga victory against Leverkusen.  Freiburg’s coach, Pilipovic, has stated thathis team needs to return to being more aggressive and sees the game againstLeipzig as a way to “get back on track.” Both teams have the ability to showcase some offensive power. 

  

Duisburg versus Wolfsburg

The matchup between the first place Duisburg and the fifth place Wolfsburg seems to be the best match being played in the Frauen Bundesliga this week.  Duisburg is playing with confidence and playing smart technical and tactical soccer.  Seven different players have scored Duisburg’s 14 total goals this season.  With all of these aspects working in Duisburg’s favor, Wolfsburg will have to maintain the energy and intensity that they displayed during the first half against Turbine Potsdam.  Consistency plagues Wolfsburg.  Defensively, Wolfsburg is improving but still remains the team’s major weakness. (For more information as to how Wolfsburg can be defeated tactically, check out an earlier post)

14:00 Matches (8:00 a.m. USA Eastern Standard Time)

 

Turbine Potsdam versus Essen -Schönebeck

Although Essen has been the “surprise” team of the season thus far, defeating powerhouse Turbine Potsdam will not be an easy task.  Potsdam’s scoring duo of Anonma and Nagasato have been embarrassing opposing team defenses.  Combine the offensive threat with a solid defense led by such players as Schmidt and Peter, Potsdam should have an easy time with Essen.  Although Ursula Holl and Essen’s defense has only conceded five goals this season, Essen’s offense has only scored five goals.

Bayern Munchen versus USV Jena

Do not be surprised if USV Jena earns their second victory of the season against Bayern.  While Martina Voss-Tecklenberg is slowly building the confidence of her team, Bayern’s coach is making post match press conference statements about his team playing like “princesses.” Rather true or not—and rather joking or not, comments like these do little to inspire an already disappointing team.  Bayern does have the talent yet they seem unmotivated. 

For current stats through Spieltag 4 

Frauen Bundesliga Matchday 2 Preview

Brief preview of Frauen Bundesliga Match day #2

Bayer Leverkusen v Turbine Potsdam

Leverkusen has a monumental task ahead for their first home match of the season. The young Leverkusen squad not only must face the defending league champions but will also have to manage with significant injuries. Defender Marith Priessen will likely miss Sunday's match with an upper leg injury. Look for Johanna Eslig to start for Priessen.  Lisa Schwab and Natalie Moik were injured in last week's match but will most likely start. Midfielder Carolin Dej and forward Belle Linden returned to training this week but it is unknown when they will be match fit. Leverkusen failed to generate any significant offense last weekend against Bayern Munchen and will most likely repeat that failure. Young players to watch for Leverkusen include Eslig, Hendrich, Beckmann and their goal keeper Schmitz. These players were all members of the German U-19 Euro Championship team.

Look for Turbine Potsdam to dominate Leverkusen from the start.  Combined with talent and speed, Turbine Potsdam's offensive power should clearly outmatch the young and struggling Leverkusen.  Look for Potsdam to exploit Leverkusen's lack of depth and experience on the flanks.  The finishing duo of Anonma and Nagasato should lead Potsdam to another blow out.

Predicted score:
Bayer Leverkusen 0
Turbine Potsdam 5

DFBTV Video on Turbine Potsdam

Hamburger SV v FCR 2001 Duisburg

Hamburger SV displayed many deficiencies within their squad against Potsdam last week. Goal keeper, Weech, often bobbled the ball, and her positioning left much to be desired. Weech was not the only weakness last Sunday. Hamburger's entire midfield was at best non-existent.  Tactically, Hamburger would be wise to have at least four in the midfield. Expect Kristina Brenner to start against Duisburg. To have any chance against a stronger Duisburg side, support must be given to the forwards.

Hopefully, Duisburg can finally put the Inka Grings departure behind them.  Expect an entirely different formation and lineup against Hamburger than what was seen during the previous week's match against Leipzig. Coach Marco Ketelaer has already stated that Wensing will return to the defensive back line. Duisburg needs to find some sort of connection between Ando and Popp to become offensively dangerous. Until Duisburg can find a formation and a core group of players, expect them to have many "hiccups" during the early part of the season.

Prediction:
Hamburger 0 Duisburg 2

Lok Leipzig v FFC Frankfurt

Frankfurt is very aware of Lok Leipzig's key players.  Defensively, Frankfurt must shut Leipzig's Kathrin Patzke down. Patzke is not only a tremendous scorer, but she is also an excellent play maker. As good as Patzke may be, Frankfurt's Bajramaj is the clear superstar in this match. Last week's performance illustrated just how commanding Bajramaj is on the flank. Leipzig will have to have a brilliant defensive day to prevent Bajramaj from serving dangerous crosses into the box. Depth and experience should easily be the deciding factor for Frankfurt in this match. However, this is a good test to see how strong Leipzig can be against a top tier team.
Players out for Frankfurt: Saki Kumagai (with Japan for Olympic Qualifying); Gina Lewandowski (with WNY Flash for WPS Championship match); Kim Kulig (ACL Tear) Valeria Kleiner (MCL rehab) Silvana Chojnowski (back injury)

Prediction: Leipzig 0
                 Frankfurt 3

Wolfsburg v Bad Neuenahr

Wolfsburg's offseason signings have significantly paid off. Coach Ralf Kellermann is making his mark as an offensively minded coach. Bad Neuenahr must be able to contend with last seasons leading scorer, Connie Pohlers, as well as Mueller, Kessling, and former Bad Neuenahr player, Lena Goessling.

Wolfsburg must prevent Bad Neuenahr's captain, Celia Okoyino da Mbabi from creating any dangerous offensive attack. Okoyino da Mbabi was instrumental in both of Bad Neuenahr's goals against Freiburg last week. Although skeptical as to the strength of Wolfsburg's defense, shutting down Okoyino da Mbabi may not be too difficult. Bad Neuenahr's coach has stated that Okoyino da Mbabi is only playing about 60-70% due to World Cup fatigue.

Prediction: Wolfsburg 2    Bad Neuenahr 0

SC Freiburg v Bayern Munchen

Despite newly promoted to the top flight of the Bundesliga, SC Freiburg can be a very dangerous underdog team.  Hegenauer is a strong midfielder for Freiburg. She is familiar with many of Bayern's young stars and will be an asset in slowing down Bayern's offense.

For Bayern, their back line will have to be consistent in keeping their shape against Freiburg. Bayern Munchen's experience and strong offensive power should help them obtain a victory.  Keep an eye on Rudelic for Bayern--when u-19 Euro Championship teammate Lena Lotzen returns, these two will be entertaining to watch.

Prediction: Bayern Munchen 2 Freiburg 1

Essen-Schonebock v USV Jena

Now retired from the National Team, Ursula Holl will focus on leading Essen from the goal. Defensive mistakes costs them last week against Frankfurt. This week's opponent should be more merciful.  Despite newly appointed Martina Voss-Tecklenburg in charge at Jena, the squad has an arduous season ahead of them. Unfortunately, this match is being labeled as one that is important due to the regulation factor. What Frauen Bundesliga fans should be analyzing during this match is the amount of "growth." Look for key positional and tactical improvements for Jena. Voss-Tecklenburg is the right fit for Jena's team. Their growth should be displayed each week.

Prediction: Essen 0 USV Jena 1

Check back on Monday for match reviews and Statistical updates. 

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

Snow disrupts most of Germany's Bundesliga Week 16;Wolfsburg Irate Over Playing Conditions

Across Germany, the first weekend of December brought a winter wonderland which disrupted all but two Frauen Bundesliga matches. Only the matches between Hamburger SV and FC Saarbrucken as well as the Turbine Potsdam versus Wolfsburg were completed. The rest of the scheduled matches were canceled due to unplayable field conditions.

Despite pre-match efforts to switch venues from Hamburger’s usual match ground to a training ground north of the city, additional snow caused a 45 minute delay as workers hurried to clear off the artificial pitch located in Norderstedt. Visiting squad Saarbrucken seemed to have effectively stayed loose despite the delay. Within the opening minutes of the match, Saarbrucken’s Cynthia Uwak was taken down inside of the penalty box. Sif Atladottir buried the penalty to give the away side an early lead.

Hamburger brushed off the opening goal much like all 78 fans in attendance brushed off the snow from earlier that day. After the initial Saarbrucken attack, Hamburger was able to gain confidence as well as control in possession. Antonia Göransson equalized the match in the 8^th minute which in turn ignited Hamburger’s attack. Saarbrucken’s goalie, Romina Wood, was feeling intense pressure as Hamburger quickly pressed on for an additional goal. Hamburger needed only nine minutes after it’s initial goal to take the lead after Saarbrucken was whistled for a penalty in the box. German National team member, Kim Kulig successfully placed the penalty and Saarbrucken would never recover. Adding to Saarbrucken’s woes, Uwak had to leave in the 32^nd minute followed by Noemie Beney in the early minutes of the second half due to a knee injury.

Hamburger added another goal in the 61^st minute, as u-19 German National team player, Caroline Simon scored by delivering a line drive free kick. Saarbrucken’s coach admitted that HSV played “smarter and more effective” but that he was proud of his back four. HSV are currently 5^th in the Bundesliga and FCS remain towards the bottom of the table in 10^th place.

Goals: FCS: Atladottir (2^nd PK )
HSV:Göransson (8th), Kulig (15 PK) Simon (62)

Wolfsburg entered the Bundesliga’s only other match this weekend with a strong will and determination to defeat UEFA Champions Turbine Potsdam. For 57 minutes, Wolfsburg was holding their own in a scoreless draw. Playing in miserable conditions, the match took on an unattractive tactical approach of long ball after long ball.

The deadlock appeared to broken in the 54^th minute as Wolfsburg’s Verena Faisst brought down FIFA’s World Player of the year finalist, Fatmire Bajramaj in the penalty area. Faulty positioning on a snow covered pitch caused Jennifer Zeitz to miss the penalty shot. Potsdam needed only four minutes for redemption. German superstar, Anja Mittag found the back of the net for her 11^th goal of the season.
Forced to push forward, Wolfsburg created more open space for the Potsdam counter attack. Yuki Nagasato’s 76^th minute goal paved or rather “snow plowed” the way for Bajramaj and Bianca Schmidt as they added two more goals to Potsdam’s 4-0 victory.

Wolfsburg’s coach, Frank Pichatzek, (who was filling in for the injured head coach, Kellermann) was livid about playing in such poor conditions. He stated that long balls have nothing to do with soccer. He also added that many of his players were complaining of injuries as a result of the game. Players agreed with Pichatzek, stating that playing in these conditions were “insulting.”

Potsdam’s tactical approach and attitude were in direct contrast to Wolfsburg’s. Adjusting to the winter elements, Potsdam’s coach, Bernd Schröder, instructed his team to “play long balls followed by quick diagonal passes.” It may have not been fancy or pretty football, but in such conditions, Schröder was correct in his tactical attack. With players such as Nadine Kessler, Anja Mittag, and Fatmire Bajramaj, Potsdam can over power many opponents. Potsdam’s intimidating 4-3-3 formation has enabled four of their players to be in the top half of the leader board in goals scored.

Potsdam is currently in first place in the Bundesliga (although that will change once games are rescheduled) and Wolfsburg will remain in fourth place.

Mary Burns

SOURCES




http://www.turbine-potsdam.de/newsmeldung.php?id=17243&s=1011http://www.microsofttranslator.com/BV.aspx?ref=IE8Activity&a=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vfl-wolfsburg.de%2F50496%2BM5cdc24c2e2c.htmlhttp://www.dfb.de/index.php?id=500014&tx_dfbnews_pi1[showUid]=25750&tx_dfbnews_pi4[cat]=84http://www.hsv.de/teams/meldungen/hsv-frauen/dezember-2010/31-heimerfolg-gegen-den-fc-saarbruecken/http://www.fc-saarbruecken.de/index.php/frauen.141.html

Germans Dominate Nominations for FIFA

Germans Dominate Nominations for FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year and Coach of the Year

The shortlists for the newly merged Ballon d’Or and the FIFA Player and Coach of the World Award were trimmed down to three and announced on December 6. Voting for the award is now done by players (captains), coaches, and journalist combined. The women of Germany have provided four out of the six candidates on the players and coaches list.

Brazilian international superstar, Marta, appears again to be the heavy favorite against strong Germen competitors, Fatmire Bajramaj and Brigit Prinz for player of the year. Marta recently led Brazil to the women’s South American championship. Marta was also unstoppable in the USA’s Women’s Professional Soccer league during the 2010 season. While playing for the now folded FC Gold Pride, Marta tallied 19 goals while earning player MVP in the WPS championship game. She was also awarded the Golden Boot for the second consecutive year.

Birgit Prinz is currently leading her first place Bundesliga club team, FFC Frankfurt, with 17 goals. With Germany automatically qualifying for the Women’s World Cup, it was a quiet year for their National Team in terms of number of games as compared to other countries. Yet at age 33, Prinz remains the face of the German team, having scored a total of 126 international goals. Her lists of awards, achievements, and championships are impressive and ensure her as one of the greatest women‘s players of all time.

Another German National Team superstar, Fatmire Bajramaj is enjoying a successful club season as well. She has scored eight goals and two assists for the defending UEFA champions, FFC Turbine Potsdam. At just 22 years of age, she provides solid evidence that Germany’s continual international success remains secure.

Germany’s two attackers will have to sway many voters who will be drawn to Marta’s flare, speed, and finishing touch. Marta has been the World’s superstar and will not likely be dethroned unless a new sensation dominates the 2011 Women’s World Cup.

USA’s coach Pia Sundhage looks to be the favorite to win coach of the year over Germany’s Silvia Neid and U-20 coach Maren Meinert. Sundhage has led the FIFA number one ranked USA to a 2010 record of 15 wins, 1 loss and 2 draws. Despite failing to win the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying tournament, Sundhage and the USA managed to qualify by defeating Italy in a play-off. Sundhage may have the edge over Germany’s National team’s senior coach, Silvia Neid, as the USA defeated Germany twice in 2010. Meinert may be the underdog, but has an impressive 2010 U-20 Women’s World Cup championship to add to her list of accomplishments. Voters may be reluctant to vote for Sundhage due to the USA’s ugly technical performances as of late. If so, Meinert may be awarded for leading the young Germans to an impressive U-20 championship.

Listed below are the original short lists:

Women’s World Player 2010:Camille Abily (France), Fatmire Bajramaj (Germany), So Yun Ji (Korea Republic), Marta (Brazil), Birgit Prinz (Germany), Caroline Seger (Sweden), Christine Sinclair (Canada), Kelly Smith (England), Hope Solo (USA) and Abby Wambach (USA).

FIFA World Coach of the Year for Women’s Football 2010:Bruno Bini (France/France national team), In Cheul Choi (Korea Republic/Korea Republic U-20 national team), Maren Meinert (Germany/Germany U-20 national team), Albertin Montoya (USA/FC Gold Pride), Silvia Neid (Germany/Germany national team), Hope Powell (England/England national team), Norio Sasaki (Japan/Japan national team), Bernd Schröder (Germany/FFC Turbine Potsdam), Pia Sundhage (Sweden/USA national team), Béatrice von Siebenthal (Switzerland/Switzerland national team).

Mary Burns

Sources:
http://www.fifa.com/ballondor/fifaballondor/index.html
http://www.fifa.com/ballondor/coachoftheyear/index.html
http://www.fifa.com/ballondor/media/newsid=1323915/index.html