Pre Match Notes

After falling 3-0 to Iceland on Friday, June 12th, Germany’s Women’s National Team are set to face Austria. When it came to their match against Iceland, many fans found Germany’s performance disappointing to say the least. Fans questioned the team’s mentality, some even saying it was like the team didn’t take the game seriously.

Germany’s performance against Iceland was anything but Olympic and Euro worthy. Despite getting forward and having the most possession in the match, the German attack posed no real threat to Iceland. Many of their crosses and services would fall short. Poor connection and finishing would show a lack of cohesion and chemistry between the attacking players. In regard to Germany’s defense, multiple defending error would see Iceland get ahead.

When it comes to this match against Austria, it’s going to go back to the team’s mentality at the end of the day. Germany has already qualified for the Euro, and while they do not need to win this match against Austria, the team needs to take this match seriously, and use it as an opportunity to better prepare themselves for the Olympics. Germany’s group is not an easy one with the U.S., Australia, and Zambia.

If the DFB Frauen wants to be successful in their upcoming games, they need to be better organized in the attack. There needs to be better connection and chemistry in the box between the attacking players. Additionally, the backline needs to have better awareness, especially when it comes to closing down any gaps and spaces in the box. There needs to be better support in the defense as well. Lastly, and most importantly, Germany must have the mentality to win and play with urgency and ruthlessness. If the team cannot get their mentality in check, they will not be successful.

Line Up Notes

Starting Eleven: We have Ann-Katrin Berger in the goal. For defenders Sarai Linder, Kathrin Hendrich, Giulia Gwinn and Bibiane Schulze Solano. In the midfield and the attack: Lena Oberdorf, Janina Minge, Jule Brand, Klara Bühl, Lea Schüller, and Laura Freigang.

Overall, the line up for this match is fine. The attacking line of Brand, Bühl, Schüller, and Freigang is very strong, and will be something to watch out for in this game. However, the team has to create better chances, and there needs to be good connection in the attack, in order for these players to be effective. Chemistry is also going to be important. As mentioned earlier, it’s going to come down to Germany’s mentality, and how they want to approach this game. Hopefully, we’ll see more urgency from the attack, as well as better defending, and support for Berger, from the backline.

First Half Notes

Germany 2-0.

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

Bühl would score off a cross from Brand and a touch off Schüller. Brand would make a run and score from outside the box.

This is a very different Germany team from the match against Iceland. Germany looked great in this half; very dominant and confident. The team was playing with more urgency. The attack has been quick and aggressive right from the start, and was maintaining that pace throughout the first half. The build-up plays have been good, and we’re seeing great overlapping plays, as well as good connection between the midfield and attack. The German attack has been able to break through Austria’s backline and defense pretty well with their quick pace and movement on the ball.

Austria has been applying pressure to Germany in the midfield, and so far, the team has been doing well handling that pressure. Oberdorf and Minge have been especially aggressive in the midfield when it comes to maintaining control, and connecting with the attacking players. More control of the midfield may be needed, though.

The team may need to work on their connection and finishing in the box, but this is already a better and stronger performance from Germany. Overall, the DFB Frauen’s approach to this first half has been unrelenting and ruthless.

Second Half and Closing Notes

Germany Wins 4-0.

Goal Scorers for Germany: Bühl (2), Brand (1), Schüller (1).

Schüller would score off a short cross from Senß. Bühl would get her second goal, after making a run into the Austria box, and scoring past the goalkeeper.

Unfortunately, Germany would lose Lena Oberdorf in the 68th minute after the midfielder would go down holding her knee. Unable to walk off on her own, Oberdorf had to be helped off the pitch. This raises questions in regard to Germany’s midfield. After Oberdorf was subbed off, it became even more apparent that Germany is lacking in regard to midfield control. Austria was able to get forward in the second half, and despite Germany being able to shut down their attack, the midfield (especially in regard to defensive play) could still be a problem for Germany in the Olympics.

Overall, when it comes to the match as a whole, this was a great performance from Germany. The team may have dialed back in the second half, with regard to urgency, however, the German attack was still able to press and get forward. The team was still aggressive and dominant. There was still good movement and connection between the attacking players, as well as great and many chances being created. Bühl, Schüller, and Brand, when they do connect, are very dangerous, and can definitely pose a threat to any teams’ defense.

This was a strong performance from Germany that put the team’s attacking potential on full display. Hopefully, the DFB Frauen will be able to maintain this momentum and confidence as they start their Olympic run.