Alarming developments in Oberdorf ahead of the Olympics.
The problem of EM tickets has been resolved, which allows the DFB team to play without any restrictions prior to the Olympics. Despite this, there's a major issue surrounding Lena Oberdorf. This world-class player got injured during a match against Poland, leaving the game in tears. The team led by Horst Hrubesch might struggle to cover this loss.
Everything was going so smoothly: Lena Oberdorf was in her 50th international match as the captain, leading the DFB team to victory in the EM qualification in Poland (3:1). She was in a great mood after an emotionally taxing few weeks, following her team's cup win with VfL Wolfsburg and all the rumors surrounding her possible transfer to FC Bayern. However, her positive feelings quickly turned negative.
First, the DFB team let Poland take an early lead in the 12th minute. The defense was disorganized and overwhelmed, just as they were during their first leg on Friday when the Poles scored after just 28 seconds. Once again, the team coached by Horst Hrubesch found itself trailing.
Then, Oberdorf's first game with a bandage ended quickly. In the 37th minute, she tackled Ewelina Kamczyk, striking the ball but still receiving a yellow card from referee Olatz Rivera Olmedo of Spain. The injury was more substantial, though. Oberdorf grabbed her left ankle, needing help to walk off the field. She reached the six-yard line, usually her home ground for world-class performances, and began to cry. According to the DFB, she sustained a painful blow to her left ankle during the incident.
Suspended for the Iceland match
While a precise diagnosis hasn't been determined yet, "I just need to wait. I hope it's not anything too bad," Hrubesch said to NDR. The yellow card from Tuesday's game will certainly make Oberdorf miss the match against Iceland. With the team improving its performance in the second half, goals by Lea Schüller and her Bayern teammate Klara Bühl helped secure qualification for the tournament in Switzerland next year. "We're extremely happy to be planning for the European Championship. The fact that we've been perfect so far in the group is an impressive feat," remarked Nia Künzer, the DFB's head of women's football. "We're also aiming for a positive finish in the last two games, as that can influence the draw."
While Oberdorf's absence won't be a major concern in the Iceland match, there's greater worry over the potential severity of her injury. As the Olympics start in France on July 25 with a game against Australia, the top-ranked USA and Zambia, who defeated the team before their disastrous performance at the 2023 World Cup, are also on the schedule. The fear is that if Oberdorf indeed faces a serious injury, it could mean the end for her participation in the Games.
Already in the match against North Macedonia, Oberdorf injured her thigh, but still traveled to the tournament in Australia with hopes of a fast recovery. Former national coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg wouldn't consider replacing her. "I think Obi is one of the best midfielders in the world," her fellow midfielder Melanie Leupolz, who retired from the national team after the World Cup, added. "She has this massive power, a presence, and always helps the team."
"Obi" is an essential member of the DFB team. There's no one in Germany who could step up to replace her as effectively. Oberdorf's talents - being a dominant midfielder, an unyielding tackler who respects her opponents, and a smart, creative passer - will be missed in the Munich team. FC Bayern is expected to pay a transfer fee of 450,000 euros to Niedersachsen, making her the most expensive Bundesliga player ever. At just 18 years, 5 months, and 20 days old, she surpassed DFB legend Birgit Prinz as the youngest German World Cup player. Oberdorf competed at the 2019 World Cup, which will also take place in France this year.
If Oberdorf can't play, it will create a significant void in Hrubesch's team. The one time she was previously hurt, she injured her thigh against North Macedonia, but still accompanied the team to Australia with hopes of a quick recovery. Former national coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg was determined to keep her on the team. "I think Obi is one of the best midfielders in the world," her fellow midfielder, Melanie Leupolz (who's now retired from the national team), had also praised. "She brings an incredible power to the game, a presence that always benefits the team."
Oberdorf is regarded as a non-replaceable figure in the DFB team. In Germany, there's no one who can handle her role adequately. In the DFB squad, there are players who focus more on offense or defense. She's a top-notch midfielder, known for her dominance, unyielding tackling, and creative passes. Her capabilities are invaluable to FC Bayern, as they'll have to pay 450,000 euros to acquire her - making her the most expensive Bundesliga player in history. When she was 18 years, 5 months, and 20 days old, she overtook Birgit Prinz as the youngest German World Cup player. This one-of-a-kind talent played at the 2019 World Cup, as the Olympics will be held in France this year.
Following two more qualifying matches, the athlete will shift his focus towards the Olympics. He shares the same hope as Künzer that all participants are in good health. A little over a month remains. In the meantime, Hrubesch must decide who will be part of the 18-member team. Oberdorf already has a spot secured, but her ankle's condition needs to be monitored.
