Pre-Match Notes

After coming away with a 2-1 loss to France in the UEFA Women’s Nations League Semifinals, Germany has a second chance at qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The DFB Frauen have to win their third-place match against the Netherlands in order to qualify. It is a tough start for Germany this year, but hopefully, the team can pull together and grab a much-needed win to keep the team’s Olympic dreams alive.

When it came to Germany’s match against France, the second half was somewhat better than the first half. Germany’s attack was able to get forward a lot better, and the team would get a goal back after Giulia Gwinn converted a penalty. However, it is clear that the team is currently lacking direction on the pitch, along with a clear plan of attack. In the first half, Germany struggled to get their attack forward, mainly because there wasn’t enough control and movement in the midfield. As mentioned in the match against France, Germany’s strategy of long balls and passes up to attacking players, like Alexandra Popp, Klara Bühl, and Lea Schüller, proved to be ineffective for the most part. These long passes would result in turnovers and recoveries for France.

Win or lose, this match against the Netherlands can go either way for Germany; however, if the DFB Frauen want to be successful, they must have a clear strategy and plan of attack moving forward. There also needs to be better movement and control in the midfield, along with a sense of urgency right out of the gate. Instead of going for long passes and long balls up to attacking players, Germany should focus on utilizing the midfield and moving the ball up the pitch, like they were doing in the second half against France. Building their attack, along with the connection and support between the midfield and attacking players, will help this team get their attack off more effectively.

Line Up Notes

Starting Eleven: We have Merle Frohms in the goal. For defenders, Sarai Linder, Kathrin Hendrich, Marina Hegering, and Giulia Gwinn. In the midfield and attack Lena Oberdorf, Sjoeke Nüsken, Sydney Lohmann, Jule Brand, Klara Bühl, and Alexandra Popp.

It’s an alright line up. When it comes to the backline, I believe the defense would have benefited more with Sophia Kleinherne and Sara Doorsoun starting as center-backs. Both of these players would be able to provide better stability in the backline, along with being able to keep up with runners, and track loose balls. Besides that, Linder and Gwinn will both be able to help with Germany’s attacking press down the wings. In the match against France, Linder was able to get down the left wing and create some services for the attack. No doubt, we’ll most likely see that from Linder in this match, provided that Germany can get their attack forward.

When it comes to Germany’s midfield and attack, it’s good to see Brand starting. Brand, in the match against France, when she came on in the second half, was able to move the ball up the pitch, connect with her teammates, and create some services for the attack. Hopefully, in this match against the Netherlands, Brand will be able to help Germany’s attack get forward. It’s also important to note there needs to be good support in the midfield and attack in order for this to happen.

Perhaps the midfield could’ve also benefited from Vivien Endemann, who has great pace on the right wing, and connects well with other attacking players. Additionally, Sara Däbritz is another good option in the midfield. In the match against France, Däbritz was able to help with Germany’s movement in the midfield, and attacking press.

When it comes to this match, Germany should try to keep possession and maintain control as much as possible. The attack getting forward will be Germany’s biggest challenge in this match. There needs to be good movement from the midfield, and good connection between the midfield and attack. Germany, in this first half, needs to be more assertive and ruthless with their attack. For this to happen, the team needs to be on the same page in regards to urgency and mentality.

First Half Notes

Germany 0-0.

This is somewhat better from Germany. Germany in this first half was able to get their attack forward, and create some crosses and services. While the connection and movement through the midfield has been good, the connection in the attack and around the box is lacking. Germany’s attack falls apart whenever they reach the box. The team is needing to figure out how to breakthrough the Dutch backline. Creating more services from the wings could help, since the Dutch backline appears to stay tight and compact whenever Germany comes up centrally. Pulling the Dutch defense out wide could create gaps for German players to find their way through.

Another issue Germany seems to have is that the attack, at times, doesn’t appear to be on the same page when it comes to connecting with crosses, services and touches around the box. Going into the second half, communication is something this team needs to work on. Additionally, Germany in transition and on counterattacks needs to be quicker. At the moment, they’re too slow getting forward and aren’t as threatening when compared to the Dutch counterattack.

Overall, it’s not a bad first half for Germany; however, there still needs to be more from this team in terms of connection, communication, and pace going into the second half.

Second Half/Closing Notes

Germany wins 2-0, wins third place in the UEFA Women’s Nations League, and qualifies for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Goal Scorers for Germany: Bühl (1), Schüller (1).

Oberdorf gets the play started, playing the ball over to Brand. Brand crosses. The ball is headed away. Oberdorf heads it towards the goal, and it is finished by Bühl. Schüller would seal the win for Germany in the 78th minute, her goal coming off an assist from Bühl.

This second half was a much better performance from Germany. There was good control and movement in the midfield, and good connection in the midfield and attack. Much like the first half, Germany’s attack was able to get forward, but this time around, the connection in and around the box was better. Germany was able to get behind the Dutch backline in this half, and get off more crosses and services on the wings. It was especially great to see Germany’s control in the midfield, along with a more aggressive attacking press. When it came to the team’s backline and defense, Frohms and the team were able to hold off, and shut down the Dutch attack.

Overall, while there is more work needing to be done with the team, this was a good performance from the DFB Frauen. This match showed the talent, potential, and quality of this German team, and hopefully, it continues to grow and develop.