The German soccer players have preserved the chance of taking part in the Olympic Games in Paris next year. There was a hard-fought 2-0 (0-0) victory in Iceland in the Nations League.
With temperatures just above freezing in the capital Reykjavik, Giulia Gwinn (64′) scored the German goals with a foul kick and Klara Bühl (90’+4).
For interim coach Horst Hrubesch it was the second win in the second game after the 5-1 win against Wales last Friday. Goalscorer Giulia Gwinn admitted after the feat on the frozen pitch in Reykjavik: “It was quite a struggle.” On the sports show microphone she said: “We had a few chances, but it was like magic. The ball just didn’t want to go in.”
Germany is still three points behind the flawless Danes in the Nations League (first leg 0-2). Only as group winner will the vice-European champion continue to play for an Olympic ticket. There will be a direct duel in Rostock on December 1st.
Lea Schüller and Svenja Huth hit the crossbar
Lea Schüller (4th) set the first exclamation mark in the Laugardalsvöllur stadium with a hit on the crossbar – the first German fragrance mark. The DFB team, which played without the injured captain Alexandra Popp, took command straight away, but like against Wales, there was a lack of precision and ideas in the first half. Crosses continued to sail into the Icelandic penalty area without success.
The 72-year-old Hrubesch made a total of three changes to his starting eleven. Sara Doorsoun replaced the injured Marina Hegering in central defense. Linda Dallmann and Lena Lattwein also started. A cross from Svenja Huth hit the crossbar (32′) – Hrubesch put his hands in front of his face.
Confident penalty from Giulia Gwinn
The 4-0 win in the first leg in Bochum last month was supposed to give them courage, but the Icelanders led by captain Glodis Viggosdottir from FC Bayern put up much more resistance.
Hrubesch reacted and brought on Sjoeke Nüsken and Jule Brand after the break, but they also missed a good header chance (50th). But then Iceland’s goalkeeper Telma Ivarsdottir caught Schüller with her hand in the face in an aerial duel, and right-back Gwinn confidently converted the penalty. In the 85th minute, Ann-Kathrin Berger had to hold on to the shaky lead against Dilja Zomers in the German goal.
After the international matches, attention is again focused on the fuss surrounding the former national coach. The outstanding conversation in the dispute between Martina Voss-Tecklenburg (contract until 2025) and the DFB has now been terminated. After some irritation, the 55-year-old will probably not return to the sidelines.
Denmark wins against Wales
Previously, group opponents Denmark had kept their clean slate in the Nations League. The leaders of Group A3 won against Wales 2-1 (2-0) in Viborg and thus defended their lead of three points over the DFB team in the Olympic qualification.
Amalie Vangsgaard (28th) and Sofie Bredgaard (39th) secured the hosts their fourth success in the fourth game, while Jessica Fishlock (72nd) scored the next goal for Wales, who had no points.