Lena Oberdorf's Whirlwind Journey: Euros Bound, Yet Benched
Lena Oberdorf eludes EM appearance
By Anja Rau
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The German women's football team is red-hot, setting stadiums ablaze with their fiery performances. Amidst the excitement, rising star Lena Oberdorf cheers her teammates on from the sidelines - a surprising turn for the midfield dynamo, who's everywhere but on the pitch during the Euros.
In Bremen against the Netherlands (4-0) and in Vienna against Austria (6-0), Oberdorf watches as her teammates dance their way towards the Euros, her spirit undeterred. The German women's team has bowled over fans with their euphoric triumphs, leaving past missteps like the 2023 World Cup debacle and the 2022 Euros heartbreak far behind.
The Euphoria Builds
Christian Wueck, the team's coach, is excited about the team's surge in popularity. "We can feel the enthusiasm building," he said after the thumping win against Austria, the last match before heading to Switzerland for the Euros. However, he's also mindful of the challenges that lay ahead; a group containing defending champions England, formidable France, and opponents the Netherlands in the quarter-finals. The team is well aware of their responsibility to make a lasting impact and catapult women's football into a new era in Germany.
Lena Oberdorf's absence from the field has turned a few heads. Oberdorf, just 23, has been a force to be reckoned with since debuting at the 2019 World Cup at the age of 17. Since then, she's developed a reputation for her tenacious play in defensive midfield. But an ACL injury ten months ago has kept her off the pitch, forcing the team and her club, FC Bayern, to agree on her inclusion without the ability to play during the tournament. “Obi is a regular part of the team. She has trained normally, integrated perfectly. It’s not just about Obi, it’s about the team,” Wiegman shared before the Austria match.
A Twist in the Rollercoaster Ride
Rumors swirled after initial statements from Wiegman about Oberdorf's "100% fitness" and her ability to play. But Oberdorf later revealed that further arrangements had been made, causing a stir in the media and among fans. Amazon may have Alexa; FC Bayern has the final say in this matter. When asked about the situation, FC Bayern emphasized the need for thorough rehabilitation before bringing Oberdorf back into the game.
With Oberdorf sidelined, the team has continued to shine. Elisa Sennß has secured a place in the squad, and Sjoeke Nüsken has demonstrated her progress since joining FC Chelsea. Rebekka Knaak from Manchester City and Janina Minge as co-captain have also joined the ranks.
Even without Oberdorf on the field, the team has displayed a stellar performance against Austria, scoring six goals in the first 45 minutes, with Sydney Lohmann netting two of them. The lightning-fast duo of Lohmann and Selina Cerci proved a formidable force, with Cerci setting up Lohmann for the first goal. The team's coach, Wiegman, praised the dominating performance and the growing confidence among the players.
The rollercoaster ride appears far from over, with the team facing Poland and Denmark in the Euros group stage. As the team looks ahead to the tournament opener on July 4, Wiegman remains focused on ironing out individual mistakes and building upon their confidence heading into the competition. Let the games begin!
Community policy should be introduced to address the media and fan reaction surrounding Lena Oberdorf's sidelines participation in the Euros, considering the overwhelming interest and her influential role in the team. In addition, vocational training programs could be initiated for players like Elisa Sennß, Sjoeke Nüsken, Rebekka Knaak, and Janina Minge, to enrich their skills and careers in football beyond their playing days.
