Pre Match Notes

After coming in third in the UEFA Women’s Nations League, and qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics this summer, the DFB Frauen appear to be back on track after being knocked out early in the World Cup last year. The team has strong attacking potential with players like Jule Brand, Lea Schüller, Klara Bühl, Vivien Endemann, Laura Freigang, Sjoeke Nüsken, and Alexandra Popp; however, the focus for this Germany team is going to involve building consistency and confidence in the midfield and attack, in addition to developing those attacking partnerships.

When it comes to this match against Poland, it is likely Germany won’t face much challenge defensively; however, the team is still needing to stay alert and aware, especially if Poland is able to catch Germany off guard with a long pass, through ball, or runner behind the backline. Germany’s defense has been called into question multiple times in the past two years, given how often the defense would leave their goalkeeper and penalty area wide open. While the backline may not face much opposition from Poland, they still need to be cautious.

Besides that, Germany should be able to keep possession and maintain control of the midfield. The attack will be able to get forward; however, Germany’s connection and finishing in the box may require more finesse and effort. In general, the DFB Frauen should do well in this match.

Line Up

Starting Eleven: We have Merle Frohms in the goal. For defenders Sarai Linder, Kathrin Hendrich, Giulia Gwinn, and Bibiane Schulze Solano. For midfielders and forwards: Lena Oberdorf, Sjoeke Nüsken, Jule Brand, Lea Schüller, Klara Bühl, and Alexandra Popp.

First Half Notes

Germany 1-1.

Goal Scorers for Germany: Zieniewicz (OG).

A mistake in the midfield would see Germany down 0-1 to Poland in the first minute. Germany would get a goal back in 34th minute thanks to an own goal off Polish player, Wiktoria Zieniewicz.

Besides Germany’s bad turnover in the first minute that would lead to Poland scoring first, this match is going as expected. There’s good control and possession in the midfield, the attack is getting forward and creating chances, and there are good touches, combinations, and overlapping plays between the attacking players. The only downside is the team is struggling with their connection and finishing in the box. The buildup plays and movement from the midfield and attack have been great, but eventually Germany needs to figure out how to break through Poland’s defense, and start scoring goals.

Despite Germany being able to maintain possession for the majority of the first half, the defense still appears to be an area of concern for this Germany side. Poland has been able to get behind the backline, and get runners into the box and down the wings. As mentioned earlier, Germany needs to be alert and aware of runners, long passes, and through balls behind the backline. So far, they have been leaving themselves open. It’s clear that the defense still needs more work.

Second Half and Closing Notes

Germany Wins 4-1.

Goal Scorers for Germany: Zieniewicz (OG), Schüller (1), Gwinn (2).

A mistake in the Poland backline would lead to Schüller grabbing Germany’s second goal. Gwinn would grab Germany’s third off a corner kick, then she would convert a penalty kick, after Bühl was fouled in the box.

It took awhile for Germany to get things going in this second half. Up until the 78th minute, Germany still maintained control and possession. The attack was getting forward and we got to see good buildup plays from the attacking players. The movement in the midfield and attack looks great, however, the problem for Germany was their connection and finishing in the box. There were plenty of services coming in, but the players were not getting on the end of them. Eventually, Germany would breakthrough Poland’s defense, but moving forward, they need to connect better in the box and put away their chances.