Pre-Match Notes

After winning third place in the UEFA Women’s Nations League, Germany’s Women’s National Team, or the DFB Frauen, was able to book their ticket to the Paris Olympics this summer. Despite the Olympics not being too far away, another major tournament still looms in the distance: the UEFA 2025 Women’s Euro.

The Euro is an important tournament for Germany. The DFB Frauen have won the Euro eight times. The team made it to the Euro Final in 2022 where they were ultimately defeated by England. Germany is looking for their ninth Euro Championship, but for now, must focus on qualification, as well as the Olympics this summer. Germany is in League A Group A4 with Austria, Iceland, and Poland, and will be meeting Iceland for their second Euro qualifying match.

In the past, Germany has had a successful track record against Iceland, coming away with two wins in the group stage of UEFA Women’s Nations League last year. It is likely the DFB Frauen can come away with another win against Iceland, and while I don’t see Germany having that many issues in regard to control and possession, there needs to be good connection in the attack and in the box. The team is also needing to develop their chemistry in the midfield and attack. There is plenty of talent and quality on this German team, so it’s going to be interesting to see how Germany approaches Iceland this time around, and what their plan of attack is for this match.

Line Up

Starting Eleven: We have Ann-Kathrin Berger in the goal. For defenders, Sarai Linder, Kathrin Hendrich, Giulia Gwinn, and Bibiane Schulze Solano. For midfielders and forwards, Lena Oberdorf, Sjoeke Nüsken, Elisa Senß, Jule Brand, Klara Bühl, and Lea Schüller.

Overall, this is a strong lineup, with a focus on Germany’s attack. I’m looking forward to seeing that connection in the attack with Brand, Bühl, Schüller, and Nüsken. Developing chemistry and building attacking partnerships between these players will only benefit Germany’s attack moving forward. Given how much Brand likes to move around the pitch, and how Linder and Gwinn will be able to help with Germany’s attacking press up the wings, getting off their crosses, services, and touches, won’t be much of an issue. The challenges for Germany will involve breaking through Iceland’s backline and defense, making sure there is support in the box, and being able to finish and put away their chances.

In regard to Germany’s backline and defense, they may not face much challenge from Iceland; however, they still need to be alert and aware of Iceland’s counterattack and transitions.