The DFB women's team, still a work in progress, limped into the new year with little cheer after a 0-0 draw against Wales.
Horst Hrubesch, the interim coach, offered his team a "Merry Christmas" post-Swansea trip, but the women's squad could hardly summon optimism. Four months after their World Cup flop in Australia, the team managed to avoid another major setback by tying Wales. Despite Hrubesch's commitment to carry on and defender Sara Doorsoun's belief in shooting for the Olympic "dream," the team continues to be a construction site for the German Football Association.
Germany's success at the Nations League finals, scheduled from February 21 to 28, hinged on Iceland's shock 1-0 victory over Denmark. With two European tickets for Paris 2024 on the line, Hrubesch dreams of a semi-final clash with France. Third place in the semis would suffice for the Germans to reach the final, while a defeat would afford them another chance to qualify.
However, the top-two European contenders, including England and Alexandra Popp's team, will not be present at the Summer Games if they fail to qualify for Paris. The DFB squad narrowly escaped this fate after a subpar performance against Wales, leaving them as outsiders for Olympic qualification.
Hrubesch confessed to feelings of uncertainty about his position as head coach in Paris if his team succeeds in the finals. The German Football Association has been in search of a permanent replacement since former national coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg's illness, with former world champion Nia Künzer set to be introduced as the new sports director shortly.
The German women's soccer team's poor performance against Wales left ARD expert and former Wolfsburg player Almuth Schult disheartened. Sjoeke Nüsken, Chelsea FC midfielder, acknowledged their inconsistencies in games. Alexandra Popp's English second-place team faces tough challenges in the Olympics, with the potential for a clash with world champions Spain or the Netherlands.
Germany's qualification for the Olympics remains uncertain. Should they miss out, they won't participate in any tournament until the European Championship in 2025, taking place in Switzerland.
Armed with an aggressive mindset, the DFB women will press for the Olympic dream in the new year[1]. Their preparations will include ice training sessions in Kassel[1], an international match against Hungary[1], and further preparations in Bremerhaven[1]. The Olympic qualification tournament in Bremerhaven features four nations: Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria[1].
The German team's success is threatened by high expectations, intense competition in the Nations League, player development challenges[5][2], and potential injury and form concerns[5]. However, their preparations, strong squad, and experienced coaching staff offer them solid foundations to overcome these obstacles and secure their place at the Olympics.
[1]: Enrichment Data [2]: Enrichment Data [3]: Enrichment Data [4]: Enrichment Data [5]: Enrichment Data
