Oberdorf declares safety following a major alarm.
Just before the Olympic Games, German women's national team coach Horst Hrubesch exhales a breath of relief. Midfielder Lena Oberdorf hasn't suffered a serious injury. After successfully qualifying for the European Championship, the German women's team can now take a break.
The initial shock was intense for Lena Oberdorf and the German team, but the next day she reassured everyone. "My debut as a substitute would have been different, but some days are just wilder," the 22-year-old wrote on Instagram, after she had to leave the field early in tears due to a calf injury during the 3-1 match against Poland. Oberdorf calmed the national team's atmosphere. However, the German women's team left after the European Championship with mixed emotions for their vacation.
"Due to a painful blow to the left shin," as the DFB announced, Oberdorf left the field after 50 international matches and her first match as captain in the 37th minute. Supported by two trainers, she limped off the field, and the 22-year-old had to be carried into the dressing room shortly afterwards.
A detailed diagnosis is still needed. Oberdorf returned to VfL Wolfsburg on Wednesday for examinations, where she's still under contract until the end of the month. The vice-European champion is heading to FC Bayern Munich in the new season.
A prolonged absence of Oberdorf would have been regrettable for the German team just a few weeks before the Olympics. "We'll have to wait and see," said Hrubesch after the final whistle. It's clear that Oberdorf will miss the match against Iceland on July 12th, as she received her second yellow card in this match.
Apart from the concern about the midfielder, the game in Poland again highlighted starting difficulties and end weaknesses. Hrubesch also criticized the poor conversion of chances: "We helped create the goal ourselves, that's what we got at the beginning." DFB sports director Nia Künzer combined her criticism with praise: "It wasn't what we had in mind - not falling behind early. But it's a great thing about the team, always coming back, not giving up." Especially since after four wins in four qualifying matches - including three victories after being behind - the ticket for the 2025 tournament in Switzerland has been booked. "This is such a success," said Künzer: "Now it's about everyone being able to take a little break." With a "certain recklessness," they plan to approach the last qualifying phase for the Olympics, which can now be used as preparation.
This includes matches on July 12th in Iceland and on July 16th in Hannover against Austria. For Hrubesch, the intense phase before the Olympic start against Australia (4th place in the World Cup) on July 25th begins. The other group stage opponents are the record world champions USA (July 28th) and Zambia (July 31st). Since only 2 goalkeepers and 16 field players can be part of the squad, there are potential issues. "I can only choose 18," Hrubesch said after the Poland game.
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In the midst of preparations for the Olympic Games, Horst Hrubesch expresses relief as midfielder Lena Oberdorf avoids a serious injury. Despite leaving the European Championship early due to a calf injury, Oberdorf, a key player for the DFB Women's team, will still miss the match against Iceland on July 12th due to receiving a second yellow card.
