DFB Cup semi-final: ‘Huge chance’ to make history

“You don’t get games like this as a coach or team every day of the week. The focus is clearly on progressing to the final. We want to take the next step and everybody understands the opportunity we have,” said head coach Achim Feifel highlighting the clear target and the significance of the match.

“Get stuck in”

After a 2-1 win at second division Borussia Mönchengladbach, the Werkself Women came through the last two rounds as the underdogs against the supposed favourites FFC Frankfurt (1-0) and TSG Hoffenheim (3-2 a.e.t.). Bayer 04 now face a strong league rival in the semi-final. Achim Feifel’s team have already demonstrated that team is beatable this term: A 3-1 away defeat in the league was followed by a 2-0 win against Essen in the home game. Ivana Rudelic and Milena Nikolic scored the goals – and both netted against TSG to put the Werkself through to the cup semi-final.

At the same time, Feifel is aware of the strengths of SGS: “They are very positive going forwards and have a lot if quality in attack. We can’t give them any space and we have to get stuck in.” The target is, “to stifle their attacks and shut down their passing options as best we can. Only then will we have a real chance of beating them and going through to the final,” Feifel added.

“Not all fully fit”

The players available to the had coach for tomorrow’s game will only become clear after today’s final pre-match training session. It is the second double-fixture week in succession after the suspension of fixtures due to the coronavirus pandemic. “Due to the heavy workload of the past few days, not all the players are fully fit. Merle Barth, Ivana Rudelic, Juliane Wirtz and Milena Nikolic have muscle problems after the two games against Hoffenheim. Two days rest is not ideal. We will decide who’s available for tomorrow after today’s training session.”

Live stream on sportschau.de

The match will be played behind closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. The game will be broadcast live online at sportschau.de. The ARD Sportschau will show highlights on Wednesday night after the men’s DFB Cup semi-final between Bayern Munich and Eintracht Frankfurt.

Commentary for the visually-impaired

The match will also be covered live by the Bayer 04 commentary for the visually-impaired. Bayer 04 fans with visual impairments will be guided through the game by the reporter Björn Nass. He will be supported in the first half by former Germany international Inka Grings; the former Bayer 04 Women’s coach Doreen Maier will be the co-commentator for the second half. The coverage starts at 15.45 CET.