In a thrilling showdown at the Volksparkstadion, the Werder Bremen women’s football team overcame Hamburger SV with a final score of 3:1 after extra time in the DFB-Pokal semi-final held on March 23, 2025. This remarkable event was witnessed by a record crowd of over 57,000 fans, marking a significant milestone in German women’s football.
The atmosphere in the stadium was electric from the start, embodying a moment that many had dreamed of witnessing. In a battle that held both emotional weight and sportsmanship, the Werder women made history by reaching their first-ever DFB-Pokal final. "Die Kulisse war atemberaubend, davon träumt jedes kleine Mädchen. Dass wird das erleben durften, erfüllt mich mit großem Stolz und einer unfassbaren Dankbarkeit für alle, die heute da waren," said HSV captain Sarah Stöckmann, reflecting on the unique experience of playing before such a crowd.
The match began with high intensity as both teams exhibited resilience and determination. However, the game took a dramatic turn when Werder's Saskia Matheis received a yellow-red card in the 54th minute, leaving her team at a numerical disadvantage. Despite this, the Werder women displayed a fighting spirit, defending valiantly against the Hamburg offense.
In the later stages of the match, the game appeared to swing in favor of Werder when Sophie Weidauer capitalized on a blunder from HSV’s goalkeeper Inga Schuldt, who misjudged a back pass. Weidauer seized the opportunity and slotted home the first goal for Werder in the 81st minute. However, the game was far from over.
Just as it looked like Werder would secure a straightforward victory, the Hamburg side, urged on by their roaring fans, found their equalizer when Stöckmann scored in the 90th minute. The effort was a result of a free kick that struck the crossbar, but she was perfectly positioned to tap in the rebound, forcing the match into extra time at 1:1.
As the teams entered the extra 30 minutes, Werder showed remarkable resilience, and Tuana Mahmoud’s relentless efforts on the field helped set the tone for their resurgence. In the 117th minute, Weidauer struck again, converting a swift counterattack to restore Werder's lead at 2:1. The goal provided a much-needed boost of morale.
The climax of the match came in the dying moments, with Verena Wieder sealing the victory by scoring a third goal in the 120+1 minute, solidifying a celebrated 3:1 triumph for Werder Bremen. This win not only secured a spot in the upcoming final against Bayern Munich on May 1, 2025, in Köln but also became a defining moment in the history of the club.
Reflecting on the match, Werder’s Clemens Fritz lauded both teams, stating, "Riesenkompliment an die HSV-Frauen, am Ende haben wir das Quäntchen Glück gehabt." Expressing gratitude for the support, he highlighted the broader impact this match has on the women's game in Germany.
This match, celebrated not only for its thrilling action but also for its unprecedented turnout, underscores the growing support for women’s football in Germany. Already, analyses and discussions are emerging about the implications of this event for future sporting events, particularly given that venues such as the Volksparkstadion can deliver such vibrant atmospheres.
As conversations around the sport continue, many players, like Werder’s captain Lina Hausicke, expressed mixed feelings about their performance. "Es war ein Krimi. Wir haben nicht gut gespielt, aber wir sind im Finale und überglücklich," she noted, acknowledging the importance of the journey to this moment.
While the final against Bayern Munich looms large on the horizon, there's no doubt that the remarkable journey of the Werder Bremen women in this tournament will resonate within the hearts of both players and fans alike. As they prepare for the showdown in Köln, they hold hope not just for a trophy but for the continued growth of women's football in Germany, celebrating the unity and community spirit that events like this foster.
