For the DFB women it’s all about now. With a win against France they could fulfill their dream – and would also be on the verge of their next possible title.
Kim Steinke reports from Lyon
The countdown has begun: From the kick-off in Lyon, the German women’s national team has 90 minutes left on Friday evening to reach the final of the Nations League. 90 minutes in which the team around captain Alexandra Popp and midfield clearer Lena Oberdorf have to give everything to make their dream come true: the ticket to the Olympics. Because qualifying would be perfect if we made it to the final.
National coach Horst Hrubesch reminded us on Thursday at the press conference before the France game: “Three or four months ago no one would have thought that we would be sitting here.” But now the DFB team meets the French selection. A sporting hurdle. Because while Germany is currently only in sixth place in the FIFA world rankings, “Les Bleues” are in third place. “I have good experiences with France,” said Hrubesch optimistically.
“It will be a game that is physical and where it’s also about who wants it more,” the national coach continued. And Hrubesch tries to win this “50-50” game with a very special tactic.
In order to defeat France, he thought of something special. In previous training, instead of playing with a striker as usual, Hrubesch relied on a double front with Popp and Lea Schüller. “We can then play not only with short passes, but also with long passes and bring balls out of the half field,” he explained his decision. Both players would also have the opportunity to get through one-on-one.
“I’m not going there to take part”
Popp in particular should keep the French defense on its toes. The German international has scored a total of four goals in the last two direct duels. In addition: France’s captain and defense chief Wendie Renard is missing from the squad due to injury. This should offer the dual leadership of Popp and Schüller even more offensive options.
One thing is clear: the team will definitely need goals and a stable German defense in order to achieve their main goal: the Olympics. Hrubesch is convinced of his team and said in advance: “I’m not going there to take part. I want to control the game and win.”
Germany is well prepared for “Les Bleues”. Nevertheless, Hrubesch knows about the strength of the opposing team: “France is individually strong and well-manned (…), that’s why we have to put everything together. We will throw everything into the balance and I hope that we can show what we’re made of” – and apparently with full offensive power.
Defender Kathrin Hendrich also emphasized the importance of the duel on Thursday and said before the game: “The focus is on the game. We definitely want to win.” She herself was a substitute player at the last Olympic Games in Brazil in 2016. “It was one of the most beautiful moments I was able to experience. All in all it was perfect,” she remembered and made it clear: “We have the goal in mind. We want to fulfill our dream.” And further: “I would wish every single person in the team to experience this event.”
Germany in the last four
The Olympics are the main goal for the German team, and the Nations League title is “a bonus,” according to Hendrich. National coach Hrubesch, on the other hand, said: “We are in the last four. Of course we want both. We’ll see whether we can do that.” Because what if the hurdle France is too big for Germany and they lose the game?