National women's squad - Women's DFB team experiences relief after escaping danger in Oberdorf.
The initial fright was significant for Lena Oberdorf and Germany's women's team trainer, Horst Hrubesch, but the following day, the midfielder alleviated concerns.
"My first game as a substitute could have been different, but some days are just twice as crazy," the 22-year-old wrote on Instagram, referring to her early exit due to a leg injury and tears during the 3-1 win in Poland. Oberdorf relieved the tensions within the German national team. However, the footballers returned home after being eliminated from the European Championship with mixed emotions.
Oberdorf went back to Wolfsburg for tests, where she's still under contract until the end of the month. A definite diagnosis is still needed. The vice-European champion will play for Bayern Munich in the new season.
Carried off the field in Poland
"Due to a painful blow to the left thigh," according to the DFB statement, Oberdorf suffered the injury during the 50th international match and her first match as captain in the 37th minute. She was lying on the ground, supported by team staff, and had to be carried into the dressing room shortly afterwards.
A more extended absence from Oberdorf would have been disappointing for the German squad just a few weeks before the Olympics. "We'll see. I hope it's nothing serious," said national coach Hrubesch following the final whistle. It's certain that she'll miss the upcoming match against Iceland on July 12 due to her second yellow card.
The vice-European champion had received the yellow card for the same foul that caused the leg issue. "Incomprehensible," Hrubesch said of the yellow. "You could even see from the bench that the Pole really stepped on her foot." Oberdorf is in Australia from last year for the World Cup and missed the beginning of the same tournament due to a thigh injury.
Künzer praises and criticizes
Apart from the worry about the playmaker, the game in Poland once again revealed issues with early scoring difficulties and ending vulnerabilities. Hrubesch was displeased with the poor conversion of the team's chances, which was already problematic when Grabowska scored from Poland's 1-0 lead after 12 minutes: "We contributed to the goal we conceded at the start." Goals from Schüller (51st and 69th minute) and Bühl (77th) only came after the break.
DFB sports director Künzer combined compliments with criticism: "We intended not to fall behind early, but it's a quality that distinguishes the team, to always rebound and not give up."
Especially after winning four qualifying matches in a row - along with three comebacks after trailing - the team has qualified for the tournament in Switzerland in 2025. "It's a real accomplishment," said Künzer: "Now it's time for everyone to take a break and rest." They aim for reckless play in the coming phase, with the last European Championship qualifying round acting as a test for the Olympics.
This involves games in Iceland on July 12th and against Austria on July 16th. For Hrubesch, the intense pre-Olympic games begin against Australia, the fourth-placed World Cup team. The other group opponents are the USA (July 28th) and Zambia (July 31st). Since only two goalkeepers and 16 field players can be included in the squad, there are potential challenges. "I can only choose 18 players, that's the big problem," Hrubesch stated after the Poland game.
The goalkeeper position seems to be up for grabs, with regular starter Merle Frohms competing against Ann-Katrin Berger and Stina Johannes for a spot in the Olympic squad. Johannes, a Frankfurt player, made her national team debut against Poland and was powerless and primarily inactive during the goal conceded.
Hrubesch's remarks on Johannes: "I know I have good goalkeepers." And generally, it holds true: "We'll proceed one game at a time, the Olympics are still a bit further away."
Hrubesch advises taking a break: "The girls need to rest now, so they can relax, ride bikes, swim, or do other activities and recover."
