Above: Germany are looking to threaten once more on the international stage. Photo: German Women’s National Team.
by Genevieve Henry (18/7/24)
Germany are a giant of women’s football; always hungry, dangerous, and ready to win. However, this Olympics, they may be even more formidable as they aim to get over their early World Cup exit last year.
Although they are a relatively young team, their talent is sure to carry them through. They are a team in transition, but the squad is packed with many of the world’s very best players. As former gold medallists, Germany has the experience, talent, and mentality to conquer this competition.
Squad
With Lena Oberdorf now unavailable, one of Felicitas Rauch, Janina Minge, Nicole Anyomi, or Pia-Sophie Wolter will replace her in the squad in the coming days.
Goalkeepers: Ann-Katrin Berger, Merle Frohms.
Defenders: Sara Doorsoun, Giulia Gwinn, Marina Hegering, Kathrin Hendrich , Sarai Linder, Bibiane Schulze.
Midfielders: Jule Brand, Sydney Lohmann, Sjoeke Nüsken, Elisa Senß.
Strikers: Klara Bühl, Vivien Endemann, Laura Freigang, Alexandra Popp, Lea Schüller.
Alternate Players (can only be selected if any players above are injured): Stina Johannes, Felicitas Rauch, Janina Minge, Nicole Anyomi.
Head Coach
Germany are under the temporary guidance of interim head coach Horst Hrubesch after the departure of Martina Voss-Tecklenburg last year. Hrubesch is one of the most experienced managers in football, as well as a legendary player in Germany. The 73-year-old scored the winning goal for West Germany in the 1980 Euros final, as well as being a prolific scorer in the Bundesliga in his prime.
After his playing career was finished, he transitioned to coaching. He has coached the men’s side of Wolfsburg and Austria Wien most notably, before going on to coach the German national men’s youth teams from 2000 to 2016. He won silver with the U-23 side for men’s football at the Rio Olympics where Germany won gold. He had a brief stint as head coach of the German women’s national team in 2018 and was appointed once again as interim in 2023. Since taking over, his side has won eight, tied one, and lost one.
Olympics History
While Germany failed to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the last time they qualified, they won the whole thing. Winning gold at Rio in 2016 was a huge feat for the team and one they will hope to replicate eight years later.
How They Qualified
Germany beat the Netherlands 2-0 in the third-place match in the UEFA Nations League which doubled as Olympic qualifying. Klara Buhl shone in the match, scoring one and assisting one.
Strengths
Germany excels in attack, with a blend of experience and youth in the front line. With one of the game’s best strikers in Alexandra Popp paired with young and exciting wingers, as well as an incredible midfield if they get the combinations right, Germany have the capability to score goals from all over the pitch.
Development Areas
Since the takeover of Hrubesch, Germany have been shaky in defence, keeping only four clean sheets in 10 matches. While they have talented players at the back, the communication and partnership must improve if they want to keep players like Barbra Banda, Caitlin Foord, and Sophia Smith out during the group stage. With such a small squad, the depth and experience of some of the players in the back line will be tested.
Key Players
Germany’s strength lies in attack, as do most of their best players. Captain Alexandra Popp is one of the best strikers in the world, scoring prolifically for Germany and Wolfsburg. She has a monster mentality and has the ability to turn games around.
Surrounding her on either wing are two of the most promising wingers – Klara Buhl and Jule Brand. Buhl has shone for Bayern Munich this season, playing a huge role in their Bundesliga-winning campaign, proving that she’s no longer just a star kid, but a real contender. Her speed and strength allow her to overcome most defenders. Brand had a harder challenge with Wolfsburg, but perhaps has more to prove, as well as the club connection with Popp.
Germany will suffer from the loss of arguably their best player in midfield, Lena Oberdorf. But, Sjoeke Nüsken coming off of the back of an incredible debut season at Chelsea and many other experienced and talented midfielders will be there to step in and carry the team.
One to Watch
22-year-old Vivien Endemann has made a name for herself this year for Wolfsburg and the national team. The exciting forward scored nine goals and bagged four assists in only ten starts for her club as well as bursting onto the international scene, showcasing her pace and potential. While she hasn’t scored in her first few appearances for Germany, she is certain to find the back of the net soon. Endemann is a hungry player not to be underestimated.
Success Would Be
Although Germany have a tough group with Australia, the USA, and Zambia, they must make it out of the group. After their embarrassing exit from the World Cup last year, Germany will want revenge and to win a medal.
Prediction
Germany will likely proceed to the knockout stages and make it at least to the semi-finals. They have a realistic shot at medalling. Due to the nature of the tournament, Germany could really face anyone from the other two groups in the knockout rounds, but all opponents are exceptionally tough.
Group fixtures
25th July Germany v Australia, 7pm, Stade Vélodrome, Marseille.
28th July Germany v USA, 9pm, Stade Vélodrome, Marseille.
31st July Germany v Zambia, 7pm, Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, Saint-Étienne.
All kick-off times are French time.
Missed any of Impetus’ other Olympic Nation Guides? Catch up by clicking below!
CANADA: https://impetusfootball.org/2024/07/13/olympics-preview-canada-2/
FRANCE: https://impetusfootball.org/2024/07/14/olympics-preview-france/
COLOMBIA: https://impetusfootball.org/2024/07/15/olympics-preview-colombia/
NEW ZEALAND: https://impetusfootball.org/2024/07/16/olympics-preview-new-zealand-2/
UNITED STATES: https://impetusfootball.org/2024/07/17/olympic-previews-united-states-of-america/
Follow Impetus on social media –
Twitter (X): @impetusfootball TikTok: @impetusfootball
Facebook: @impetuswomensfootball Instagram: @impetusfootball
impetusfootball.org 