The DFB women experience disappointing bankruptcy just before Olympia
Officially, the DFB-Frauen's match against Iceland is an EM-Qualification game. The Hrubesch-team is already assured a spot in the tournament and aims to prepare for the Olympics. However, this fails. In windy Reykjavik, there is a bitter loss.
The German women's national team suffered a harsh morale blow in their Olympic preparation. Thirteen days before the opening match in Marseille against Australia, the selection led by Horst Hrubesch lost 0:3 (0:1) in the EM-Qualification in Iceland. This loss did not affect their already secured participation in the EM 2025 in Switzerland - the momentum for the Olympics has not yet materialized.
In Reykjavik, the DFB-Frauen conceded an early goal in both halves and their highest defeat in six years (0:3 against France). For Iceland, Ingibjorg Sigurdardottir (14.), Alexandra Johannsdottir (52.), and the strong Wolfsburgerin Sveindis Jonsdottir (83.) scored. The game was influenced by the strong wind, but the mistakes in defense had a greater impact. The Icelandic women secured their EM ticket with this second victory against Germany. Germany faces Austria in the last game before the Olympics in Hannover on Tuesday (19.00 Uhr/ARD), a game that also counts towards the EM-Qualification.
Popp likely to play against Austria again
There, Hrubesch can probably count on Alexandra Popp again. In Reykjavik, the 73-year-old had to forgo the DFB-Captain due to a foot inflammation. Sydney Lohmann (muscle problems) was also missing, but should be present at the Olympic opener in Marseille. Lena Oberdorf was also absent due to a yellow card suspension.
The captain's armband was taken over by Giulia Gwinn, and Nicole Anyomi played in the striker position, who is only a reserve at the Olympics. Hrubesch wished for a good rhythm for the Olympics and wanted to "get a handle on the early goals". In the last four games, Germany had conceded four goals in the first 20 minutes. This also happened in Reykjavik: The DFB-Frauen started counter-attacking. The first major chance was missed by Jonsdottir (2%). Captain Sigurdardottir then made it 0:1 after a corner. DFB-Goalkeeper Merle Frohms failed to reach the ball during a corner kickout, and Sigurdardottir headed it in (14%).
Germany cheers only briefly
After 20 minutes, the DFB-Frauen stabilized a bit defensively. Offensively, however, they still disintegrated too often. It became dangerous only in quick finishes, but Sjoeke Nüsken (24%), Jule Brand (26%), and Lea Schüller (43%) all missed. Germany only cheered briefly - but Schüller's impressive volley was disallowed due to an offside position.
In the second half, Germany started erratically again. Iceland intercepted a short pass from Kathrin Hendrich intended for Frohms. From the midfield, Johannsdottir scored the 0:2 (52%). After preventing the 0:3 with a little luck (58%), the DFB-Team became more active again. Freigang missed a goal shortly after coming on as a substitute, first with a header (61%), then with a volley (78%). Shortly before the end, Jonsdottir took advantage of a mistake from Sara Doorsoun (83%).
Despite the disappointing loss at the Olympic Games 2024 preparation match, the DFB-Women still have a chance to boost their momentum before the Olympics. They face Austria in their last EM-Qualification game in Hannover, which also serves as a warm-up for the Olympics.
The DFB-Women's defeat in the Olympic Games 2024 preparation match against Iceland was a setback, but they will look to rectify this in their upcoming Football-NationalTeam match against Austria, which could potentially provide a positive boost ahead of the Olympic Games in Paris.
