Lena Oberdorf: Sidelined from Euros with Bayern Munich, But Still a Key Figure for DFB Squad
Lena Oberdorf absent from the EM event
By John M.
The DFB women's team dazzled the Austrian squad in the first half, scoring a masterful six goals before the break. While the victory offers a positive sentiment for the Euros, the expectations are high, and unfortunately, 23-year-old Lena Oberdorf, a key member of the squad, will not be in action.
Besides cheering on her teammates and celebrating goals from the sidelines after the game, Oberdorf can also be found mingling with opponents, as well as joining her teammates and fans during their post-match celebrations. The game against Austria may have been the last international match before the trip to Switzerland for the Euros, but Oberdorf wasn't playing on the pitch.
The impressive 6-0 win came after a disappointing start against Austria and Scotland, which left doubts about Germany's chances at the Euros. The lingering memory of the 2023 World Cup debacle still casts a shadow over the team, but their recent performances have begun to silence the critics and build optimism among fans.
Bouncing Back with High Hopes
National coach Christian Wüß expressed his satisfaction after the Austrian win, acknowledging that Austria did not qualify for the Euros. However, he also highlighted the improved performance of the Netherlands against Germany and the tough draws awaiting the team in the Euro quarter-finals, including England, France, and the Netherlands. Wüß recognized the team's responsibility to play a good tournament to support the growth of women's football in Germany.
Since the DFB's surprising run as vice-European champions in 2022, women's football has gained momentum in the country. With the team regularly attracting large crowds and gaining renewed media attention, there's optimism that the Euros will further boost the sport's popularity. Despite the setback at the 2023 World Cup, the Olympic bronze medal win earlier this year has kept the momentum going.
In replacing the popular Horst Hrubesch, new national coach Wüß faces an arduous task, as he looks to build on the team's success. While his calm demeanor and tactical approach have impressed team members, he has faced criticism for poor communication regarding player selections, with several players expressing dissatisfaction with the process.
The Oberdorf Conundrum
The unfortunate handling of Lena Oberdorf's inclusion in the squad has caused more confusion. After her ACL injury, Oberdorf, who plays for FC Bayern, missed ten months of action. Following her exclusion from the squad, she revealed that she had been given permission to travel with the team but would not be allowed to play. In an ambiguous statement, coach Wück initially stated that Oberdorf was "100 percent fit to play," only later clarifying the arrangement, leading to public speculation and confusion.
Despite her failure to make the final cut, Oberdorf remains a part of the team, training and integrating with her teammates. However, her recovery from the ACL injury - her first major injury in her career - may not be complete, making it unlikely that she will be ready to fully participate in the high-stakes matches of the Euros.
Ready or Not, It's the Euros
Without Oberdorf, other players have stepped up to fill the gap, such as Elisa Senß, Sjoeke Nüsken, Rebekka Knaak, and Janina Minge. With Wück's trust in the new recruits, the DFB women's team appears well-prepared for the challenges ahead, despite the absence of a key player like Oberdorf.
As focus shifts to the Euros, Oberdorf's roller coaster ride with the team has come to an end. Her injury and recovery journey will continue, and fans will eagerly await her return to the field when she is fully ready to contribute to the team's success.
References:
- Lena Oberdorf TikTok: @lenaoberdorf
- ntv.de: Football - EM tough test for DFB women
- Transfermarkt: Lena Oberdorf
- Twitter: #DFB_EM
The community policy of the DFB team may need to address the ongoing confusion surrounding Lena Oberdorf's exclusion from the Euros squad, despite her fitness and commitment to the team. In the meantime, vocational training and rehabilitation for Oberdorf, currently sidelined due to an ACL injury, will be crucial in her return to the football field. As fans eagerly await her recovery, they can follow her progress on her TikTok account, @lenaoberdorf.
