Wipe away the doubts about the World Cup debutants Morocco – that is the goal of the German footballers at the start of the preliminary round. The use of an important player is also questionable.
The German footballers landed in Melbourne in drizzle, eleven degrees and gray clouds. After weeks of preparation for the World Cup, the cloudy weather at the first venue could not dampen the immense anticipation of Alexandra Popp and Co..
The DFB team is reaching for the third World Cup star in its history in Australia and is under pressure to play against Morocco this Monday (10.30 a.m. CEST/ZDF). The vice European champions go into the tournament as co-favourites, the title is the declared goal. National coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg is hoping above all for renewed euphoria about her now well-known players.
“Like last year, actually like always, we want to take people with us, emotionalize them,” said the 55-year-old at the final press conference before the first group game. “If we can give a little smile, if we can also represent values (…) , then we’ll be happy to do it.” However, record ratings on television such as the EM 2022 are not to be expected in view of the games in the German morning time.
Guessing about the ailing trio
The dream of a third World Cup triumph after 2003 and 2007 lives on in the German team – despite some doubts after the disappointing friendlies against Vietnam (2:1) and Zambia (2:3) and personnel worries. “We know what kind of quality we have. In the end, it will be crucial to get them on the pitch,” said EM star Popp these days. A year after the successful tournament in England, the goalscorer also pointed out that the World Cup is a “completely different number”.
“Tomorrow we all have to know on the field that we’re contesting a World Cup and what kind of responsibility that entails,” warned goalkeeper Merle Frohms before the final training session. Lena Oberdorf, Marina Hegering and Sjoeke Nüsken were also involved. Voss-Tecklenburg did not want to solve the guesswork about the ailing trio. “All I can say is that there will be all the players in the squad,” she said.
It is considered unlikely that defense chief Hegering will run up against the African World Cup debutant. The woman from Wolfsburg had only completed running sessions at the base camp in Wyong because of her bruised heel. Her possible deputy Nüsken was last on the lawn because of an outer ligament stretch with a bandaged knee.
“The world of women’s football has moved closer together”
There is a big question mark behind midfield clearer Oberdorf. The 21-year-old had not trained fully with the German team in the past few days after suffering a muscle injury in her thigh. Voss-Tecklenburg at least let it be known that she doesn’t want to take any risks: “Anything else wouldn’t be smart. We want to play more than one game.” Chelsea professional Melanie Leupolz, the only mother in the team, could play for Oberdorf.
If nothing happens in the short term, Janina Minge will watch the Morocco game from the stands and then fly home as planned. The midfielder from SC Freiburg came to Australia as the 24th player with the 23-man squad because of the long journey. According to FIFA regulations, nominations can be made up to 24 hours before the first game if there is evidence of an injury or illness.
Voss-Tecklenburg expects a “tight game” against Morocco. If you have seen the start of this World Cup, what we said is exactly what we said: the whole world in women’s football has moved closer together.” After starting against the world number 72. will face Colombia in Sydney on July 30th and South Korea on July 3rd. Already in the round of 16, the DFB selection threatens a top-class player like Brazil or France.
Most recently, the German women had shone on the international stage with Olympic gold in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro. At the 2019 World Cup in France, Voss-Tecklenburg had to be responsible for the quarterfinals against Sweden. After the World Cup defeat of the men’s national team in Qatar, the DFB has high hopes for the women. “Of course I would also be happy if our women could kiss the German football fans awake again this summer,” said Joti Chatzialexiou, head of national teams.
Source: Stern
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