Status: 06.02.2022 8:25 p.m
Success returns with Kruse: VfL Wolfsburg has ended its black run in the Bundesliga against SpVgg Greuther Fürth. Also thanks to double packer Vranckx.
On Sunday (February 6th, 2022), the “Wolves” won at home 3-1 (1-1) at the end of the 21st matchday of the Bundesliga. It was the first victory under coach Florian Kohfeldt after eleven unsuccessful games in a row. Sports director Jörg Schmadtke had previously described the game as a “final”. With the victory, VfL jumps to twelfth place, but is only two points ahead of the relegation rank.
Kruse, who recently came from 1. FC Union Berlin, made a significant contribution to reviving the offensive game with his actions, in which Jonas Wind – the replacement for Wout Weghorst – fitted in well. The VfL goals were scored by Aster Vranckx (7th/49th), Maximilian Arnold (70th) and Maximilian Philipp (75th). Fürth captain Branimir Hrgota had equalized in the meantime (44th, FE).
Kohfeldt would have “also taken a narrow victory”
Wolfsburg coach Kohfeldt was relieved after the end of the game on the sports show microphone: “I would have taken a narrow win. We deserve the lead, but were a bit too passive before half-time and lost the ball too much. Something’s going on in my head. ” He believes “that this can give us a certain stability again”, whereby the victory was “only a first step”.
Meanwhile, Fürths Hrgota was annoyed by the level of bankruptcy. “I won’t say it’s a fair 4-1. In a couple of situations, luck was on Wolfsburg’s side.”
Wolfsburg’s winter arrivals successfully put the pressure on
Bottom of the table Fürth started boldly, acted on the same level as Wolfsburg and created the first chance: Jamie Leweling was denied by VfL goalkeeper Koen Casteels (6th).
But the game had not yet reached the ten-minute mark when Wolfsburg’s winter signings put their stamp on the action: Jonas Wind took Kruse with him, who poked the ball to Renato Steffen on the flank. Steffen’s shot on goal from an acute angle hit the post – Vranckx pushed in.
Kruse is making steam in the headquarters
Wolfsburg remained dominant as a result, seemed more secure on the ball than in the last few weeks and gained a lot of space. Fürth tried to find playful solutions, but ran behind and won fewer duels – at times only 40 percent.
Depending on the situation, Kruse made steam from the eights, sometimes from the tens and almost gave Vranckx his second goal with a cross. But the Belgian didn’t hit the ball properly (28′).
Fürth celebrates after VAR action
Fürth freed itself in the direction of the half-time break. And had another good chance through Leweling. Again the winner was called Casteels (31st). But then the guests were awarded a penalty after intervention by VAR, which captain Hrgota converted.
VfL defender Sebastiaan Bornauw was responsible for the seventh penalty against Wolfsburg this season and hit Jeremy Dudziak. Referee Martin Petersen initially decided on a foul, but was asked by video assistant Robert Kampka to watch the scene again.
Burchert fails: Wolfsburg shocks Fürth after the break
The “Wolves” came out of the dressing room better after the break. Steffen crossed, Wind blocked freely for Kruse – who shot wide of the goal from a short distance at high speed (49th).
But then: Arnold sent Steffen on the journey again, Fürth goalkeeper Sascha Burchert came out without any need – Simon Asta was there long ago – and caught Wolfsburg in a dogfight. Vranckx sunk the rebound directly into the empty box, Steffen stayed down. The Swiss was able to continue after a break in treatment.
Two deflected shots, two VfL goals
Fürth didn’t give up and almost made it 2-2 in the 62nd minute. Hrgota narrowly missed a corner from Timothy Tillmann at the far post.
But any rebellion should be in vain. Because Leweling sharpened a mediocre direct free kick from Arnold – and deflected from unsustainable. Unlucky for Fürth and indicative of the sporting situation: The 4:1 through Philipp’s long-range shot was only made possible by Hrgota, who decisively changed the ball’s trajectory.
“Wolves” in Frankfurt, next basement duel for Fürth
On the 22nd matchday he has to VfL Wolfsburg now top up at Eintracht Frankfurt. Meanwhile, Greuther Fürth receives in the next basement duel for Franken Hertha BSC (both games Saturday, 3.30 p.m.).
Source: sportschau.de