Oberdorf-setback overshadows DFB-win against Austria
In the last match before the Olympics, the German women's team wants to create a good atmosphere. Coach Horst Hrubesch shows a golden hand, the result against Austria leaves no wishes unfulfilled. But the injury of world-class player Lena Oberdorf dampens any euphoria.
A successful make-up and a successful Olympic test match - but the concerns about Lena Oberdorf cast a shadow over the German women's team. Nine days before the Olympic football tournament opener, the team of Bundestrainer Horst Hrubesch warmed up. In the 4:0 (2:0) against Austria in the last EM qualification match, Oberdorf had to leave the field after a duel due to a knee injury. A severe setback for the German Olympic aspirations.
The team played well until Oberdorf's substitution after 71 minutes. The early goal from Klara Bühl (11.) allowed the German women to control the game. Through further goals from Jule Brand (39.), Lea Schüller (52.), and again Bühl (90.+2), the German women created euphoria and left with applause as group winners to France. A clear goal from Sjoeke Nüsken in added time was not given. On Friday, there had been a bitter 0:3 loss in Iceland.
"A different face" without Alexandra Popp
Before the game, Hrubesch had demanded "something good" and a "different face" than in Reykjavik. It worked even without captain Alexandra Popp, defensive chief Marina Hegering, and midfielder Sydney Lohmann, who were still not fit to play. In goal, Ann-Katrin Berger replaced her competitor Merle Frohms. Hrubesch will only decide on the goalkeeper question shortly before the Olympic start. Oberdorf returned to the central midfield after serving a yellow card suspension.
With the warning from Iceland in mind, the German team started the game with early chances through Freigang (5) and Gwinn (10) visibly anxious. At least after the leading goal by Bühl (11.), Germany took control of the game. The offensive player came to the goal after a cross from Brand for the goalscoring opportunity (11').
"Completely detached" Brand with a solo run
Since the Hrubesch team did not concede an early goal as in the past, the fans in the sold-out Heinz-von-Heiden-Arena were already in a festive mood. After 27 minutes, the first "La Ola" wave swept over the stands. Winger Brand raised the mood with a solo run from her own half after a long ball from goalkeeper Berger to 2:0 and brought the atmosphere to an even higher level - completely detached (39). After a good, but controlled performance in the first half, the German offense spurted at the beginning of the second half due to joy. Schüller failed first (49), then at the crossbar (50).
So it took a little help from the substitute Elisa Senß, who, after winning the ball, passed accurately across. Untroubled, Schüller scored the 3:0 (52). Germany did not let up after that. Bühl (55) and Giulia Gwinn (61) missed the chance to quickly make it 4:0. However, the mood was dampened. After a foul on Barbara Dunst, Oberdorf remained on the field and limped off with the help of two team physios.
The absence of Alexandra Popp, Marina Hegering, and Sydney Lohmann didn't hinder Horst Hrubesch's team, as they delivered a strong performance despite these absences. The injury to Lena Oberdorf, who had to leave the game against Austria due to a knee injury, was a significant blow to the German Olympic aspirations. Despite the impressive display from Jule Brand, who scored a solo goal to make it 2-0, the team was saddened by Oberdorf's departure.
