analysis
The DFB women showed their team spirit after the violation of their captain against Poland. The 2-0 win in the first game at the European Championship in Switzerland on Friday evening also succeeded thanks to a tactical realignment.
At first Gabi and Florian Gwinn, as well as the majority of the almost 16,000 fans in the Kybunpark of St. Gallen, still celebrated a strong tackle of her daughter Giulia. The DFB captain had successfully blocked a shot from Poland’s superstar Ewa Pajor. But seconds later there was a great concern. “Giuli” remained injured on the ground and kept his left knee.
When referee Stéphanie Frappart whistled for the break, mother Gabi grabbed her cell phone in the stands to get in touch with Giulia. Shortly afterwards, the parents left their places together – and should not come back until the end of the game.
Fear of injuries always plays along with the Gwinns
Since the two cruciate ligament tears, the parents had been particularly worried, their daughter could seriously injure herself. For this reason, Gabi Gwinn also waived a lot of Giulia. On Friday evening, the hope was at least briefly raised, the Gwinn family and with their whole football Germany could have got away with the fright.
After the treatment break in the German penalty area, Gwinn was only led off the field, she slowly jogged to the center line again and even returned to the pitch. But on the first attempt to run really, she sank to the ground again and had to be replaced with tears in the eyes.
On the way out, she was hugged by her teammate Lea Schüller: “I told her that she should stay calm and that I am there for her. She doesn’t know what is,” said the middle striker after the game. “If you have pain, it is of course not easy.” So far, the DFB has only confirmed a knee injury. An MRI examination is to be diagnosed on Saturday.
Wamser masters cold start after a substitution for Gwinn
In the 40th minute of play, Gwinn had to be replaced at 0-0. Carlotta Wamser came for the right defense-for the 21-year-old it was the EM debut in the third international match. And the Frankfurt woman, who had been the last to jump on the European Championship train, was a symbol of how Germany still earned victory after a mixed first half.
Of course, you don’t like to come in when a teammate is injured. But I tried to make the best of it. And I am glad that we were able to take the important three points with us.
“We immediately gave Carlotta the courage,” said goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger and stated satisfied: “We showed great team spirit.” Wamser, who, according to his own statement, was “very, very nervous” survived the last few minutes in the first half and was pleased that there was “a restart” for everyone after the break. With great use she closed her side at the back and got the applause of scenes several times. At the front she initiated both goals with her pace.
Nüsken and Sensß indicate the rhythm after the break
Christian Wück didn’t just have the right feeling with the substitution. When Gwinn’s break in treatment had offered the opportunity, the national coach called his double six with Sjoeke Nüsken and Elisa Sense and explained to the duo, as was supposed to take control in a game that was previously wild.
“He wanted us to be more stable in midfield, that we are better off and not act at the height,” said Nüsken. “Then I tried to take the path forward in the second half. We were simply more aggressive in the box and scored our two goals.”
Team spirit was “the most important” after the final whistle
In the 1-0 by Jule Brand (52nd) and the 2-0 by Lea Schüller (66.), the 24-year-old from Chelsea FC had moved into the penalty area as well as with her own big chance when she was very close to the ball (62nd). Meanwhile, Sense focused on the defensive. And Wamser? She started an impressive full sprint from behind right to the opposing penalty area, but was overlooked by Giovanna Hoffmann.
The German internationals around goal scorer Jule Brand (2nd VR) cheered on a goal
In the end there was a deserved 2-0 win, which was only celebrated briefly. In the full run, the DFB women then left the place. “We all went to Giuli in the cabin. We wanted to stand together as a team. And that is the most important thing at the moment,” emphasized Nüsken.
Family is at Gwinn after injury
Supported on two walking aids, but at least again a bit on the outside, the injured himself avoided the mixed zone. Her parents, who had reported happily to commute from Lake Constance before the game, and instead spend their summer camping holiday at the European Championship in Switzerland. Just like on Wednesday when the daughter in Zurich celebrated her 26th birthday.
In St. Gallen, Giulia Gwinn was adopted by the audience with a standing ovation. Hopefully only for a short time from the perspective of the German team. “We are all a bit depressed. We had imagined it differently,” said Nüsken, adding: “We hope that Giuli is going so far so far. We played for Giuli and fought for her.”