DFB-Pokal: Supersub Goto saves the day for Freiburg to send Wolfsburg packing
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Freiburg ended their losing streak to advance to the DFB-Pokal Round of 16 with a comeback win over Wolfsburg. Two Japanese strikers scored braces in the entertaining encounter at Europa-Park Stadion.
Both teams found the net inside the first ten minutes in a quickfire start to the game. The hosts drew first blood as experienced duo Vincenzo Grifo and Christian Günter combined in the left flank to set up Igor Matanović's strike. The Croat striker scored with a powerful header after the captain's pinpoint delivery.
Matanović avoided reaching ten games for club and country without a goal as Günter, who is yet to play in Bundesliga this term, made an impact. Tobias Strobl’s side responded immediately as Kento Shiogai's acceleration was too much for Max Rosenfelder and Matthias Ginter.
The Japanese striker ended his goal drought in style by converting a half chance created with Timon Wellenreuther's clearance. Shiogai's last goal for Wolfsburg came in February, but he ended the first-half with a brace.
The 21-year-old headed home from Muhammed Damar's corner-kick to give the visitors a half-time lead. There could be questions raised on Florian Müller's role in both goals as the backup goalkeeper made his first appearance of the campaign replacing Mio Backhaus.
The hosts felt they deserved a penalty-kick for a handball early in the second-half, but referee Sören Storks decided to let play continue because Joahkim Mæhle tried his best to avoid the contact.
Wolfsburg retreated to defend their lead, which led to chances for the hosts, including Matanović coming close to equalize with another header. The equalizing goal came from Keisuke Goto as the substitute headed home Grifo's corner-kick delivery.
Freiburg continued to dominate proceedings, and they did find the winner before extra-time. With Wellenreuther leaving his penalty box, Goto controlled a brilliant ball to the final third by fellow substitute Philippe Lienhart before a delightful chip to win it for the hosts in injury-time.
Freiburg will hope to end their two-game losing streak in Bundesliga when they face Augsburg on Saturday. Wolfsburg's next game is at home against 2. Bundesliga's newly-promoted side Osnabrück.
