For the DFB women it’s in the Nations League for qualification for the 2024 Olympic Games. With Wales A hurdle that isn’t actually that big awaits on Friday (October 27th, 2023) – but the circumstances are challenging. This also includes a short-term absence of Alexandra Popp.
Normally the fronts are very clearly divided. On the third matchday of the Nations League A, Germany meets Wales in Group 3 – it is the duel of the two-time world and eight-time European champions and Olympic champions against a team that has never qualified for a major tournament. A mandatory task for the DFB women – but there are some factors that make the game more difficult.
Only two European teams can qualify
At the forefront is the unclear situation surrounding national coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg. In the days before the games, the topic gained additional momentum. Players like Lena Oberdorf were irritated by some of the events – but it would be so important if they could concentrate fully on sport. Because the Nations League offers women the only chance to qualify for the Olympic Games in Paris next year.
In order to do that, the German team has to come first in the group of four and then reach the final of the Nations League. In addition to host France, only two other nations qualify for the Olympic Games.
Dallmann: “Very serious football situation”
But this is a difficult undertaking, especially after the 2-0 defeat at the start against Denmark. The team can no longer afford to slip up – in order to maintain their Olympic chances, but also in order to successfully tackle the restart announced after the group exit at the World Cup. But both the wounds of this experience and the unresolved question of the national coach could lead to problems even against Wales.
Linda Dallmann pointed out, “that this is really not the most relevant topic for us right now“The team finally stuck.”in a very serious football situation“And accordingly the next games will be against Wales and on Tuesday (October 31, 2023) in Iceland.”a very, very big challenge“.”We need to focus on that. We have to concentrate on ourselves and I believe that we have a big task to accomplish at the moment” said Dallmann.
Hrubesch stands for special Olympic experiences
The players immediately notice the effects of the hanging game around Voss-Tecklenburg; after all, Horst Hrubesch is now an interim coach in front of the team and it is completely unclear how long he will stay. The team would need a permanent contact person for the restart – and if Dallmann had his way, that would be Hrubesch. “We have the best trainer in front of us in Horst, who is trying to get us excited about things. He’s passionate about it too” said the 29-year-old.
Why Hrubesch is the right man? The 72-year-old could “show us very well what the Olympics can mean in the end“, said Dallmann. In 2016, Hrubesch surprisingly won the silver medal with the German U21 national team Rio de Janeiro and thus ensured the greatest Olympic success in men’s football to date. “He tells us every day how great this experience was for him. This takes a lot out of us as players because we haven’t had that experience yet” said Dallmann.
Iceland’s success was encouraging
Hrubesch made it clear to his players, who were visited by Chancellor Olaf Scholz during the week, that he wanted to go to the Olympic Games with them – whether as a coach or as a spectator. “He said he’d run to France to see us play there, even if we didn’t take him with us“, said Dallmann. The two Nations League games will probably play a role in the decision-making process in which role he would be there – if Germany manages to qualify.
Interim coach Hrubesch recently announced: “We need to clear our heads and just have fun.“ Difficult given the tense situation around the team and the pressure that is still there due to the World Cup debacle. The DFB women showed that they can handle this in their strong 4-0 win against Iceland on the second matchday. Now it’s important to take this momentum with you and put together a series that brings self-confidence – and ideally also Olympic qualification. First of all, the compulsory task in Wales must be solved.
Hrubesch has to get along without Popp and Frohms
There is great confidence that this will succeed. “We noticed in the first few days that something was growing together here. The last training sessions were convincing and I believe in the quality this team has. I am convinced that we will play the first game positively” said Hrubesch.
But the interim coach also had bad news. Alexandra Popp will not be able to play against Wales or in Iceland due to muscular problems and will leave after tomorrow’s game. “I’m not taking any risks. It’s important for us that we go into the game with 100 percent“said Hrubesch, who decided in consultation with VfL Wolfsburg that Popp would return to their club.”But it doesn’t change how we approach this game. We have ways to replace them” said Hrubesch.
Hrubesch decided to use Ann-Katrin Berger (33) in goal. As expected, the Chelsea keeper will replace regular Merle Frohms (VfL Wolfsburg), who is not yet available again after a concussion.