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Euros Preview: Germany

Above: Germany taking on Australia in Alex Popp’s last game before retirement. Photo: DFB/Yuliia Perekopaiko.

By Boh Blythin (27/6/25).

Germany are heading into the 2025 Euros ready to compete for their place at the summit of European football, led by captain Giulia Gwinn. They prepare to clash with rivals Sweden and Denmark in a thrilling Group C, showcasing an eager youthful team led by coach Christian Wück. A bronze medal in the Olympics last year gave fans a glimpse of where the side could reach this summer, but they will have to put up a fight to get there.

Squad List:

GOALKEEPERS: Ann-Katrin Berger (Gotham FC), Stina Johannes (Eintracht Frankfurt), Ena Mahmutovic (Bayern Munich).

DEFENDERS: Giulia Gwinn (Bayern Munich), Kathrin Hendrich (Chicago Stars), Franziska Kett (Bayern Munich), Sophia Kleinherne (Eintracht Frankfurt), Rebecca Knaak (Manchester City), Sarai Linder (Wolfsburg), Janina Minge (Wolfsburg), Carlotta Wamser (Bayer Leverkusen).

MIDFIELDERS: Sara Dabritz (Lyon), Linda Dallmann (Bayern Munich), Sydney Lohmann (Bayern Munich), Sjoeke Nusken (Chelsea), Elisa Senss (Eintracht Frankfurt).

FORWARDS: Jule Brand (Wolfsburg), Klara Buhl (Bayern Munich), Selina Cerci (Hoffenheim), Laura Freigang (Eintracht Frankfurt), Giovanna Hoffmann (RB Leipzig), Lea Schuller (Bayern Munich), Cora Zicai (Wolfsburg).

Head Coach:

Inline image — **Above:** Christian Wuck. **Photo:** Getty Images.

The former Wolfsburg forward is in charge of the women’s senior team after starting his journey in August 2024 and is on a two year contract. He previously guided Germany’s U17 male team to Euros and World Cup glory, and there’s no doubt he’s more than ready to start the women’s revolution.

Euros History:

Germany is the most successful team in UEFA Women’s Euro history, with eight titles. This includes winning six times in a row from 1995 to 2013 and since then Germany’s legacy has remained unmatched. In 2022, the side reached the final where they lost to a strong England side. Now, as a team that other sides will be determined to beat, Germany are back aiming to reclaim what was once theirs with a new generation of youth talent.

How they qualified:

Germany qualified by topping Group A of the Nations League, facing Austria, Iceland, and Poland. They earned automatic qualification after earning their place in the top two, alongside Switzerland. Some victories included a 3–2 away win to Austria, 3–1 at home win to Iceland, and a 4–1 home win vs Poland.

Strengths:

The side’s history alone proves what the German side is capable of. In high-stakes matches there is a winning culture and mentality between all players on the pitch, they have experience and belief which other teams are yet to reach. The team includes many versatile players, allowing Wuck to rotate his squad without losing its quality. Many of these players can play in a variety of roles emphasising the squad’s depth, keeping opponents unaware of what style of play, formation and tactics the side may use.

As well as this the German side includes some of the most impressive forwards, including the likes of Lea Schüller and Laura Freigang. These players have the ability to deliver a solid performance each game and create goals consistently. Germany can create danger to opponents from a range of set pieces, which could lead to match winners and success.

Development Areas:

However, Germany lack defensive players. Despite having strong players upfront, the squad is short of defenders who can consistently thrive from the back. It is worrying that if any injuries happen to take place the side could struggle defensively. Alongside this, the players may not have much chemistry within partnerships due to squad rotation and lack of consistent time on the pitch with one another.

Key Players:

Lea Schüller is Germany’s main striker since Alexandra Popp’s retirement. She was the top goal scorer in qualifying for the European tournament with six goals. Her ability to score in high pressure situations, especially in the air is exceptional. Now that she is the focal point of Germany’s attacking play, Schüller holds the pressure to maintain her performances and play a crucial role in the team’s campaign.

Captain Giulia Gwinn will also play a crucial role in Germany’s European journey. She contributed to helping her country earn bronze at the 2024 Olympics after two ACL injuries. Named Germany’s Player of the Year in 2024, she sets the tone and leads her team from the back.

One to Watch:

A rising star and one to watch throughout the tournament this summer is Jule Brand. The 22-year old is a versatile player with the ability to play as a winger or attacking midfielder, meaning she could easily switch roles mid game or be used as a quick rotation. She also scored and assisted in both the 2022 Euros and the 2024 Olympics, proving she can create an impact in important games.

Success would be:

For supporters, success would be to win the tournament and watch a team of youth lift the international team’s 9th European trophy. This would start a new era for the team with a team full of a new generation of football.

Prediction:

However, with the loss of legendary players Popp and Svenja Huth, Germany could come to an abrupt end during their Euro’s journey. As a strong team with youth hungry for a trophy and a strong history, they should be able to reach Semi finals. Germany have proven within the qualifying stage they can come back from behind to win games and it’s undoubtable that we will see more of this from the side as the tournament unfolds.

Group C Fixtures:

July 4th– Poland, 9pm, AFG Arena, St. Gallen

July 9th– Denmark, 6pm, St. Jakob-Park, Basel

July 12th – Sweden, 9pm, Letzigrund, Zurich

This is the latest part of our Euros nation previews – click on the links below to view the previous articles:

SWITZERLAND: https://impetusfootball.org/2025/06/16/euros-preview-switzerland-2/

NORWAY: https://impetusfootball.org/2025/06/17/euros-preview-norway/

FINLAND: https://impetusfootball.org/2025/06/18/euros-preview-finland-2/

ICELAND: https://impetusfootball.org/2025/06/19/euros-preview-iceland-2/

SPAIN: https://impetusfootball.org/2025/06/20/euros-preview-spain-2/

PORTUGAL: https://impetusfootball.org/2025/06/21/euros-preview-portugal/

BELGIUM: https://impetusfootball.org/2025/06/22/euros-preview-belgium-2/

ITALY: https://impetusfootball.org/2025/06/23/euros-preview-italy/

SWEDEN: https://impetusfootball.org/2025/06/24/euros-preview-sweden-2/

POLAND: https://impetusfootball.org/2025/06/25/euros-preview-poland/

DENMARK: https://impetusfootball.org/2025/06/26/euros-preview-denmark/

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Katriina Talaslahti: One of Finland’s best misses out on Euro squad

by Jean-Pierre Thiesset (26/6/25).

Within the Finnish women’s football family is there any outrage at Katriina Talaslahti’s non-selection? There is be lots of talk about the squad selection online and on various forums/social media.

Katriina Talaslahti finished 4th in Arkema Première Ligue standing with Dijon for the first time in Dijon history. Katriina participated largely in this success with 8 clean sheets in 16 games she played as starter and numerous world class saves.

However, Katriina Talaslahti is not selected in Finland squad for Euro 2025. We could imagine that the 3 goalkeepers selected play in major leagues too and have better statistics than Katriina. The teams and statistics of the 3 goalkeepers selected in the Finland’s squad are:

Tinja-Rikka Korpela plays for Servette FC, Switzerland, which is 34th in UEFA ranking. Korepela is 39 years old and played only 1 game with her squad in 2024-2025 season. However, she does have a lot of top-level experience.

Anna Tamminen plays for Hammarby IF, Sweden, which is 51st in UEFA ranking. She is 30 years old and played 6 games with her squad in 2024-2025 season.

Anna Koivunen plays for Djurgardens IF, Sweden, which is 84th in UEFA ranking. She is 23 years old and played 11 games with her squad in 2024-2025 season. She currently holds the number one spot and jersey for Finland.

**Above:** Katriina Talaslahti (yellow) December 10, 2024. **Photo:** Jean-Pierre Thiesset, Impetus.

In the Dijon communication about Katriina staying in Dijon squad for next season, Sylvain Carric, Dijon Women’s Manager, declared, “It is a great satisfaction to announce Katriina’s contract extension. Katriina is an excellent goalkeeper, coming off a very good second half of the season where she only conceded two goals, which is anything but a coincidence. She will continue to bring us all her qualities as a goalkeeper, but also her professionalism and her ability to unite in the changing room.”

Talaslahti also said, “signing an additional season with DFCO was the right decision for me. I’m really happy to extend my contract and it’s gratifying to see the club’s trust in me. I’m going to do my best in my field and give my best to help the team progress and achieve its goals. I’m really proud and happy to be staying here. Now, I’m going to start my seventh season in the French league.”

**Above:** Katriina Talaslahti (black) March 29, 2025. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset, Impetus.

Compare to the other goalkeepers in the Finland squad, whose qualities and skills I do not question, I still do not understand why Talaslahti, playing in one of the best and more challenging championship for a goalkeeper and in which she has outstanding performances, is not one of the 3 goalkeepers selected for Euro 2025.

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Matildas’ Montemurro era starts with perfect result if not perfect performance

Australia 3-0 Slovenia

by Kelechi Osunwa at HBF Park for Impetus (26/6/25)

Above: Emily Gielnik looks to break through from Slovenia’s grip tonight in Perth. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus.

The Joe Montemurro era as the Matildas’ Head Coach started the best way possible with a 3-0 win over Slovenia at HBF Park on Thursday night in Perth.

An early goal from Emily Gielnik set the tone for a frantic end-to-end match. There were chances galore for both teams, with Slovenia coming close to equalising on numerous occasions before the game was settled for the Matildas with two late goals by Holly McNamara and substitute Hayley Raso.

Montemurro will no doubt be happy to start his reign as head coach with a victory, and naturally will know that there will be plenty to work on as he has more time with his side.

The Matildas showcased the vertical fluidity and quick transitions Montemurro’s sides are known for early, when Amy Sayer broke into space. The wide forward’s dangerous cross was narrowly turned away from goal by the outstretched foot of Sara Agrež, and Australia took advantage of the set-piece opportunity and scored from the ensuing corner.

**Above:** Amy Sayer breaks through and looks for the pass. **Photo:** Rob Lizzi for *Impetus*.

Emily van Egmond’s low-driven corner was directed toward goal by Clare Hunt, and the ensuing goalmouth scramble saw Emily Gielnik show great desire to bundle home.

Despite the early goal, the visitors were able to settle and disrupt the passing patterns of the Matildas on numerous occasions.

The most dangerous of which was when Špela Kolbl intercepted an errant pass in midfield and drove into the penalty area. The winger’s cross-come shot bounced off the crossbar and trickled away to safety.

Amy Sayer lifted the home faithful on their feet when she went on a powerful run from her box. The forward combined with Ninja A-League Golden Boot Winner, Holly McNamara, who found Sayer again at the top of the box, but her effort sailed over the bar.

The Matildas had another terrific opportunity to double the lead when McNamara combined with stand-in captain Ellie Carpenter. The two broke swiftly from a Slovenian corner, and after Carpenter danced past a defender and Zala Meršnik in goal, it looked certain that the full back would double the lead. But with the goal at her mercy, Carpenter looked to find Gielnik only for a backtracking Kara Eržen to toe away the danger.

**Above:** Emily Gielnik (15) puts The Matildas ahead in Perth tonight. **Photo:** Rob Lizzi for *Impetus*.

Slovenia continued to look dangerous on the break, and when they caught Australia out of possession and created two chances that were foiled by Hunt.

The first saw her react quickly to deny Sara Agrež, and the second saw her keep her poise to block Zara Kramžar after the forward’s clever turn in the box.

The Matildas settled and would create their best opportunity in the first half when Alana Kennedy’s clever pass found Carpenter with plenty of space.

The flying fullback powered from penalty area to penalty area and held the focus of the Slovenia defence long enough to slip in Gielnick. The angle was narrow, and Meršnik proved equal to the winger’s low effort with a low instinctive save.

Slovenia started the second half as the better of the two sides and created two gilt-edged chances from their high press.

**Above:** Ellie Carpenter (21) drives forward for Australia against Slovenia. **Photo:** Rob Lizzi for *Impetus*.

Clare Hunt was under immense pressure and made an errant pass straight to Zara Kramzar, who had the goal at her mercy with only Teagan Micah to beat. The forward opted for power and fired her effort toward Micah, who did well to say big and parry the chance to safety.

Slovenia continued to assert pressure, and moments later Lara Prašnikar curled wide from a promising position.

Cheeky quick throw caught Slovenia off guard as Sayer drove into the box, but her effort was easily dealt with by Meršnik.

Slovenia had another opportunity from a Matildas error when an errant touch from Alana Kennedy left substitute Nina Kajzba through on goal. The forward had just Miach to beat, but once again the custodian proved equal to the moment with a fine save to her left.

The game took a frantic turn with chances at both ends.

**Above:** Holly McNamara heads home her first goal for the Matildas. **Photo:** Rob Lizzi for *Impetus*.

McNamara created a terrific opportunity when she chased her own flick on and sprinted past her marker, only to see Meršnik brush aside her dinked effort.

Slovenia once again failed to capitalise on winning the ball high in the Australian midfield. Prašnikar glided towards the penalty area and, after creating half a yard of space, curled an effort narrowly past the post.

The Matildas had two great opportunities through McNamara and Meršnik, but Slovenia’s cover defence was able to clear any danger.

Substitute Zala Kuštrin caused a collective gasp for the home faithful when the crafty forward created a half-yard of space and fired just wide of the top corner. But Slovenia would be forced to rue another missed opportunity as the Matildas put the game beyond doubt when they capitalised on a rare Slovenian mistake.

The Matildas found Raso from an errant pass, and the substitute’s pinpoint cross found McNamara at the back post for the striker to head home her maiden international goal.

**Above:** Hayley Raso (16) receives congratulations after scoring the Matildas’ third goal tonight. **Photo:** Rob Lizzi for *Impetus*.

Raso put the result beyond doubt when she capped off a trademark dribble with a composed curler from outside of the box to send the home crowd into raptures.

Slovenia would have one more shot in anger from Korina Lara Janež and Zala Kuštrin, but both efforts were matched by Micah, who saved well to deny Janež and Prior, who slid brilliantly to prevent Kuštrin from having a shot.

In the post-game press conference, Montemurro described it as a perfect game, and he will be looking for more of the same when the two sides face off against each other again on Sunday at the same venue.

**Above:** The Matildas starting line-up ahead of kick-off tonight. **Photo:** Rob Lizzi for *Impetus*.

Check out our Instagram page – @ImpetusFootball for more of Rob Lizzi’s exclusive images from HBF Park.

AUSTRALIA (4-2-3-1): Micah, Heatley, Hunt, van Egmond, Kennedy, Gielnik, Sayer, Carpenter, McNamara, Chidiac, Rankin. Substitutes: Arnold, Nevin, Prior, Torpey, Rason, Whyman, Grant, Cooney-Cross, Murphy, Heyman, Siemsen.

Scorers: Gielnik 3’, McNamara 86’, Raso 87’.

SLOVENIA (3-4-3 ): Meršnik, Golob, Agrež, Korošec, Čonč, Prašnikar, Kolbl, Makovec, Eržen, Kramžar, Sternad. Substitutes: Gradišek, Mihelič, Kajzba, Zver, Kastelec, Testen, Kuštrin, Križaj, Ketiš, Janež, Pasar.

Referee: Torika Delai (FIJ)

Attendance: 8,676.

Euros Preview: Denmark

Above: Denmark poses for a team photo. Image: @dbulandshold on Twitter.

By Alyce Collett (26/6/26).

Denmark are regulars at the Women’s Euros, but after being unable to replicate the highs of 2017 at the 2022 edition, can things go better for the Danes this time around?

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Maja Bay Østergaard (Vaxjo DFF), Kathrine Larsen (Sampdoria), Alberte Vingum (HB Køge).

Defenders: Sanne Troelsgaard (Roma), Katrine Veje (Crystal Palace), Frederikke Thøgersen (Roma), Stine Ballisager (Fiorentina), Sara Thrige (PSV Eindhoven), Sara Holmgaard (Real Madrid), Isabella Obaze (Portland Thorns), Emma Færge (Fiorentina).

Midfielders: Kathrine Kühl (Roma), Janni Thomsen (Utah Royals), Emma Snerle (Fiorentina), Karen Holmgaard (Everton), Rikke Madsen (Everton), Josefine Hasbo (Gotham FC).

Forwards: Pernille Harder (Bayern Munich), Nadia Nadim (Hammarby), Signe Bruun (Real Madrid), Amalie Vangsgaard (Juventus), Sofie Bredgaard (Fiorentina), Cornelia Kramer (Bayer Leverkusen).