Struggling for TV Time: The German Women's Squad's Predicament
The German women's national soccer team has been garnering top ratings on ZDF, but their upcoming match against Wales on ARD will not get a TV slot due to a lack of time. Instead, the match will be streamed live as the men's cup matches are scheduled at the same time. The interim national coach, Horst Hrubesch, shares the team's disappointment about not getting the broadcast they deserve.
The Broadcast Quandary
While ZDF showcased the team's 3:0 win over Denmark last Friday evening, the women's Nations League match against Wales cannot be shown live on TV due to two live DFB Cup matches on ARD being scheduled at the same time. ARD sports coordinator Axel Balkausky explained to the "Bild" newspaper that another kick-off time was not possible.
The Team's Determination
Despite the setback, Hrubesch's charges are determined to take the next step towards qualifying for the Olympics. Leading Group 3, a win against Wales will secure their qualification for the final round. Hrubesch emphasized the importance of focusing on themselves and going into the game at full throttle. Klara Bühl from FC Bayern and Marina Hegering from VfL Wolfsburg have voiced their commitment to ensuring the team overcomes this hurdle, despite Hegering's yellow card suspension and Laura Freigang's groin injury.
Widening Access through Streaming
The lack of TV space for the DFB women's soccer team has resulted in their match against Wales being streamed, as it clashes with the live broadcasts of the DFB Cup matches. While the broadcasting of UEFA Women's Nations League matches is primarily being streamed online by UEFA and its broadcasting partners, this approach allows for a wider global reach and accessibility to the matches.
Not only Germany fears for an Olympic ticket, but Hrubesch's team is determined to make the most of this opportunity and regain the glory they deserve.
