In the final at last! VfL put on a sweeping performance to seal an impressive win in their DFB Pokal semifinal. The Bundesliga’s second-placed side prevented another Arminia Bielefeld upset with a 4-0 thumping and after unsuccessful attempt, have reached their first final since 1995. The 2009 champions will fance Borussia Dortmund on the 30th May in their hunt for that first cup victory.
The goals for Wolfsburg, who reached the semi finals in 1999, 2007, 2008, as well as the past two years, were scored by home-grown talents Maximilian Arnold (2), Luiz Gustavo and Ivan Perisic. The Lower Saxony side lost their last final in 1995 3-0 against Borussia Mönchengladbach.
Bielefeld, who were also playing their third semifinal after their 2005 and 2006 appearances, exit the competition with their heads held high. They played with the same spirit as in the victories over Bundesliga sides Hertha BSC, Werder Bremen and Borussia Mönchengladbach, but were caught out this time by a simply better side, who never really seemed likely to be the victims of a upset. The 4-0 win for Wolfsburg was the biggest cup semifinal away win of any side since 1970.
Wolfs too strong for Bielefeld
Wolfsburg manager Dieter Hecking left World Champion André Schürrle on the bench until the 67th minute, with Kevin de Bruyne in the starting XI. VfL were run away winners in their third consecutive cup semifinal.
On the 15 year old pitch, Bielefeld fought for their lives from the first second, as ever. But it was also clear, from the first second, just how seriously the favourites were taking the game. The Wolfs would not be put off by the challenge and took an early lead in the game.
Two counter attacks make the difference
Arminia were not overwhelmed by the first goal and certainly didn’t sit back as a result. But the third division failed to create any truly dangerous attacks for Wolfsburg to deal with. At the other end, Luiz Gusavo headed in after a clever free kick from Ricardo Rodriguez and Bas Dost.
After the break, the underdogs were determined to get back in the game and almost did, when VfL keeper Diego Benaglio misjudged a free kick from Florian Dick, which rattled the crossbar. With two blistering counter attacks, VfL wrapped the game up with plenty of time to spare and assured comfortable passage to the cup final in May.
