Oberdorf's emotional reaction sparks mixed feelings for DFB after securing European Championship spot.
The German women's soccer team is all set to travel to Switzerland: With a victorious performance in their fourth qualifying match, a team under the guidance of national coach Horst Hrubesch has successfully qualified for the 2025 European Championship. However, six weeks ahead of the Olympic Games, there may be a major setback as prominent player Lena Oberdorf sustains an injury.
With concerns brewing around Lena Oberdorf, the German team has booked their spot for the 2025 European Championship in Switzerland well in advance. Lea Schüller was a double scorer, leading the DFB team past Poland's 3-1 (0-1) return match. But, Oberdorf was injured. In the 38th minute, she received a whack on her left leg and left the field in pain, unable to return. Schüller (51/69) clinched victory 51 days before the Olympic games, as the German squad displayed a less-than-effective first half and went behind with Dominika Grabowska (12) on the scoreboard. Klara Bühl (77) managed to even the odds in the final measures.
Facing the Olympic medal mission, Oberdorf's injury is a cause for concern. As in the 4-1 first-leg victory on Friday, the squad led by Hrubesch had attempted on creating chances. They are now gearing up for the return games in Iceland (July 12) and against Austria (July 16) to prepare for the Olympics. Their ultimate challenge is a match against Australia on July 25 in Marseille. Prior to that, Hrubesch must select his 18-member squad, which will be announced in early July.
An adjustment at the break makes the difference
In the final match, Hrubesch employed the rotation machine at intermission, opting to start five players who were on the bench. The team's regular captain, Alexandra Popp, was initially spared. Stina Johannes of Eintracht Frankfurt made her debut in goal, replacing Merle Frohms and Ann-Katrin Berger.
Despite Johannes' debut, something akin to déjà vu unfolded when Grabowska raced past her easily after only five minutes. Shaking his head, Hrubesch urged his squad to avoid starting lethargically, much like they did in their last match against Rostock where they conceded a goal just 28 seconds into the game. In the first half, the team was missing prior defensive leader Marina Hegering (thigh injury) and was packed defensively. The penalty area was chaotic, with players colliding. Grabowska took advantage of Johannes' inexperience, leaving Hrubesch perplexed.
Multiple opportunities went to waste. Sydney Lohmann (22) missed a potential goal, while Schüller (28) sent one ricocheting off the post. Oberdorf's departure after a clash with Pole Ewelina Kamczyk signaled Hrubesch's endorsement of Popp, who immediately replaced her.
Once the newcomers took the field in the second half, their impact became noticeable. Bühl's assist led to the well-deserved equalizer. Popp headed the ball into the Polish goal, and Schüller scored the decisive point. Bühl then sealed the tie with a well-placed shot from the penalty area.
While the game was in progress, something was amiss - double scorer Lea Schüller scored two goals, securing the win for Germany. The squad, led by Horst Hrubesch, is now all set to play against Austria in their final game in the qualifier for the 2025 European Championship.
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- Despite the injury to Lena Oberdorf, the DFB Women's soccer team, under the guidance of Horst Hrubesch, is eagerly preparing for the European Championship qualifier matches against Iceland and Austria, with the ultimate goal of performing well at the Olympics and the match against Australia on July 25 in Marseille.
- In an effort to spark a change during the second half, Horst Hrubesch substituted several players, including bringing in Alexandra Popp after Lena Oberdorf's injury, which significantly boosted the team's performance and eventually led to their victory in the qualifying match for the European Championship.
- The success of the German women's soccer team in securing a spot in the 2025 European Championship is a testament to the hard work and determination of players like Lena Oberdorf, Lea Schüller, and Horst Hrubesch, continuing the strong tradition of German soccer in both men's and women's divisions.
