Pre-Match Notes: Germany had a pretty shaky start to their UEFA Nations League run. They had a 2-0 loss to Denmark, but were able to get a 4-0 win against Iceland. The players were very upset about the loss to Denmark and were emotional after the match. Most likely, it was due to a culmination of the events that happened over the past few months. The disappointment at suffering another loss, an early exit from the World Cup, frustration with the DFB, Martina Voss-Tecklenburg, the coaching staff, etc.

The loss to Denmark could be seen as a breaking point for Germany, but perhaps it was one they needed. Things did better in Germany’s next match against Iceland, where Germany was able to secure a 4-0 win. It appears as though things are starting to look up for Germany, but we’ll see if more improvements have been in this match against Wales and in Germany’s next meeting with Iceland.

There has been some recent coaching changes. Martina Voss-Tecklenburg was out due to illness, so assistant coach Britta Carlson took over last month for the matches against Denmark and Iceland. Now, the current interim head coach is Horst Hrubesch. Britta Carlson returns to her original role as assistant coach. There is a slight possibility Voss-Tecklenburg could return, her contract runs until 2025, but it doesn’t sound likely. Apparently, Voss-Tecklenburg is only communicating with the DFB through lawyers. As it stands, Horst Hrubesch is the current head coach until further notice.

It’s going to be interesting to see what Hrubesch’s plans are for the Germany National Team. He does intend to make changes and is wanting to move the team in a different direction. For the attack, it’ll be “less contact, more long balls and faster setups,” which will be great for building and developing the team’s attack. The team has great attacking players. Focusing on developing the attack, along with some of the younger attacking players, will be good for this team. I’m also interested in seeing this faster setup in the attack. I’ve been wanting to see Germany up their pace for a while now.

However, an issue this Germany team still has is their defending and backline. I think Germany will be okay defensively in their match against Wales. The team should be able to maintain control and possession just fine, but the backline isn’t an area Hrubesch should ignore. The backline needs to be quicker in responding to counterattacks and transitions, passes behind the backline, and they need to keep up with runners. A faster setup in the attack should also apply to Germany’s backline and defense as well, since this is an area that has hurt this team repeatedly in the past.

Line Up Notes

Starting Eleven: We have Anne-Katrin Berger in the goal. For defenders Marina Hegering, Kathy Hendrich, Giulia Gwinn, and Sarai Linder. In the midfield and attack: Lena Oberdorf, Sara Däbritz, Svenja Huth, Lea Schüller , Klara Bühl, and Laura Freigang.

Overall, this is a good lineup with strong attacking potential. It’s great to see Schüller, Bühl, and Freigang starting together. I believe these three can be a dangerous attacking threat. If Hrubesch continues to play them and build their chemistry, the DFB Frauen could have a very ruthless and aggressive attack. It may take some time for this to develop, but with the individual talent on the team, they should be able to come together, play as a team, and create effective connections on the field.

As for the backline and defense, I’m still unsure when it comes to the team’s defensive ability, however Linder and Gwinn have been performing well for their clubs, Hoffenheim and Bayern München respectively, so we could see good support defensively, and in the attack. It’s going to be an interesting match, where anything can happen. I’m going into this one open-minded, but hopeful.

First Half Notes

Germany 1-1

It was an all right first half. A great cross by Linder led to a beautiful headed goal by Schüller. Germany was very dominant and in control for the majority of the first half. There have been great crosses and services from Linder, Gwinn, and Huth, and plenty of set pieces. But eventually, this team has to finish and score goals. The opportunities and chances have been there, but there hasn’t been much connection in the box. After Wales scored, it kind of left the team rattled and they lost control for a bit.

Going into the second half, Germany needs to get back in control and up their pace a little more when it comes to moving the ball around. At the same time, they need to maintain their attack, create more chances, and, most importantly, finish and score goals. The defense needs to perform better, and there needs to be better awareness from the defenders. They can’t make dangerous mistakes, like leaving players open in the box. Besides that, this is still very good from the DFB Frauen. It is clear Hrubesch’s work with this team is all going according to plan.

Second Half/Closing Notes

Germany Wins 5-1.

This was an excellent win and a great performance from Germany. The second half was much like the first in the sense that Germany maintained control and were on the attack. Great goals from Schüller, Gwinn, Nüsken, and Anyomi. There were great link-up plays between Huth and Gwinn on the wing. I really enjoyed their crosses and services into the box. At the same time, Sarai Linder on the opposite wing had some great crosses and services as well. The attack looks good. It took Germany a while to start racking up goals, but eventually, the team came through and the goals started raining in.

My issue with Germany in this game is their set pieces. Germany had twenty corner kicks in this match. The team has to do better when it comes to converting those. Moving forward, this is something the team may need to work on more, on top of connection in the box and finishing. Besides that, this was overall a great and strong performance from the DFB Frauen. The team looks fired up and it will be interesting to see how they do in their upcoming games.