Pre-Match Notes: After securing wins against Wales and Iceland last October, the DFB Frauen are back to face Denmark. In their first meeting, Denmark would come away with a 2-0 win. If Germany wants to secure a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics, they have to win against Denmark by two goals or more, and win against Wales.

At the moment, things are starting to look up for Germany. Since taking over as interim head coach, Horst Hrubesch has been working with the team when it comes to their midfield and attack. What he’s been doing with the team so far has been working. In their first meeting against Wales, Germany came away with a 5-1 win. This shows Germany is capable of connecting in the attack and scoring goals. Hopefully, the team will be able to grab multiple goals in this match. Once again, it’s going to go back to that connection in the attack and finishing.

When it comes to Denmark, Germany came away with a loss in their first meeting, but this time around, I believe Germany can come away with a win. Unfortunately, the team is missing Lea Schüller for these games. She pulled out due to injury, however Germany still has strong goal-scoring options on the team already. Alexandra Popp, Laura Freigang, Klara Bühl, and Jule Brand to name a few. At the same time, the team is also missing Lena Oberdorf as well. She has been out for some time due to a lower back injury.

In general, I don’t see Germany having a problem maintaining possession and control, but they need to be careful when it comes to Denmark’s transitions and counterattacks. As long as Germany can connect in the attack, connect in the box, and finish their chances, they should be all right in this match.

Line Up Notes

Starting Eleven: We have Merle Frohms in the goal. For defenders Sarai Linder, Marina Hegering, Kathy Hendrich, and Giulia Gwinn. In the midfield and attack, Sjoeke Nüsken, Sara Däbritz, Sydney Lohmann, Svenja Huth, Klara Bühl, and Alexandra Popp.

It’s an all right line-up. It’s great to see Frohms back in goal. She had to miss Germany’s matches against Wales and Iceland due to a concussion.

Assuming Germany are in a 4-3-3, this midfield of Nüsken, Däbritz, and Lohmann is going to be interesting to see. I’m not sure how well they’ll be able to connect with the attack, or help drive Germany’s attack forward. I’m going to be looking for that connection between one another in the midfield, along with the attack. At the same time, I’m also going to be looking for how well those three move the ball around the midfield, and whether they’ll be able to maintain control. The midfield in this match is going to be integral when it comes to Germany’s control and possession.

Granted, I’ve seen Däbritz play for Lyon and she has been doing great with the Lyon team. However, her success with Lyon needs to carry over to the national team. The same could also be said for Nüsken. Her success at Chelsea must carry over to the national team.

As for Germany’s attack, it’s going to come down to whether they’ll be able to connect where it counts and finish their chances.

First Half Notes

Germany 2-0.

Two great headed goals by Popp and Hegering. If this 2-0 lead stands, Germany is on track to topping the group stage and making it to the Olympics. However, there is a whole second half left, and Germany’s backline and defense has been a bit shaky. They need to respond better when Denmark is transitioning.

As for Germany’s midfield and attack, Nüsken and Däbritz have been doing well, but there needs to be better control in the midfield and they have to be careful when it comes to turnovers. When it comes to the attack, that has been going well for Germany. There has been really good high pressing from the attack, and the team as a whole. There have been plenty of crosses and services coming in, but there still needs to be better support in the box.

In the second half, Germany should try to go for a third or fourth goal just for added security in case Denmark does score. Germany is definitely capable of getting more goals in the second half, provided that they can connect and finish their chances.

Second Half/Closing Notes

Germany Wins 3-0.

Unfortunately, I can’t really say much about the second half due to the stream cutting out throughout the match, but from what I was able to gather, there appeared to be better control in the midfield. As the match winded down, it seemed as though there was more urgency to maintain control and shutdown Denmark’s counterattack

I also liked Germany’s high press in the attack. It thought that was really good from Popp, Bühl and the rest of the team. When it comes to the defense and backline, it appeared to have gotten better in the second half. There appeared to be more support in the defense, but going forward it’s something the team is still needing to work on.

Overall, this was a great performance from Germany. Hopefully they’ll be able to grab a win against Wales on Tuesday to remain on top of the group stage, and move on to the Olympics.