Getting Cut Short: Lena Oberdorf Misses Out on Euros Amid Health Concerns
By Anja Rau - The Clueless Wanderer Facebook • Twitter • Whatsapp • Email • Print • Copy Link
Lena Oberdorf eludes presence at the European Championship (EM)
The German women's national football team has been scorching the net with a flurry of goals in the first half of their matches, leaving spectators buzzing with excitement for the UEFA Women's Euro 2025. Meanwhile, the spirits of Lena Oberdorf, who has managed to squeeze into the audience, have been clouded with disappointment. Oberdorf, a 23-year-old powerhouse, has been sidelined from the action, nursing her ACL injury sustaind ten months ago, and spectating as her teammates make waves in the tournament.
In the 4-0 Bremen match against the Netherlands and the 6-0 Vienna contest with Austria, Oberdorf, who was a clubless employee at FC Bayern, found herself missing out on the Euro adventure. The German women's team is preparing to set off for the tournament in Switzerland (July 2nd-27th). After dismal performances in the first halves against Austria and Scotland, doubts surfaced about Germany's potential at the Euros. The team's drubbing at the 2025 World Cup still lingers.
Euphoria Galore
The naysayers are slowly starting to lose their grip, as fan excitement grows stronger. "Of course, we'll carry that euphoria with us," German coach Christian Wück stated after a winning game. Still, it's clear that Austria did not qualify for the Euros, and the Netherlands showed greater flair against Germany during their match. In the Euro quarterfinals, Germany faces a tough challenge as England, France, and the Netherlands await in their group. However, Wück remains confident: "We are aware of our responsibility: If we put on a good show at the tournament, women's football in Germany might take a massive leap forward."
The team's unexpected success at the 2024 Euros, where they finished runners-up and left the nation awestruck, set the stage for new beginnings. Suddenly, the German women's team was garnering regular crowds, with players' names on the backs of jerseys that they wore proudly, international matches during prime-time slots, and unexpected gains like an Olympic bronze medal. The disappointing brakes put on the team at the 2025 World Cup did not slow down their momentum.
Rocky Beginnings for the New Coach
The Olympic bronze medal victory paved the way for the arrival of new coach Christian Wück, who stepped in after the quirky, beloved Horst Hrubesch finished his tenure as a caretaker. Wück has inherited a massive task, as many players vocalized their criticism of his communication style. His charming charisma and witty one-liners have been missing thus far, but he has made progress with the team.
Muddied Waters: The Lena Oberdorf Controversy
The confusing saga surrounding Oberdorf's surprising selection for the squad cast a shadow over her inclusion. Despite not playing a game in ten months, Oberdorf secured a spot without playing. However, her club and the DFB ultimately agreed that she could not compete due to her recovery from a knee injury. Initially, coach Sarina Wiegman had diplomatically stated that Oberdorf was "100% fit and ready to play," but it was Oberdorf herself who clarified the arrangements later, causing widespread confusion.
A New Look for the Squad
With Oberdorf on the sidelines, Frankfurt's Elisa Senß has cemented her position, while Sjoeke Nüsken has proven her progression since joining FC Chelsea nearly two years ago. Wiegman has also brought in Rebekka Knaak of Manchester City, an interior defender who was previously unnoticed by coaches. Janina Minge has been appointed co-captain, giving her greater responsibility and trust.
Cut Short
Despite the fun and camaraderie Oberdorf brought to the team during her non-playing stint, it seems unfair to keep her on the roster without a chance to compete. Even before the final Austria match, her exclusion from the Euros was confirmed. Wiegman announced that, though Oberdorf is on the right path, the Euros were too soon for her. Instead, the team aims to give her time to fully recover and prepare.
Time Heals All Wounds
At 23, Oberdorf has already made history, debuting at the 2019 World Cup at the age of 17. Now, DFB captain Giulia Gwinn leads the team, having bounced back from two ACL injuries and guiding the team just as she did against Austria in their 1-0 win in which she played a crucial role. With Poland and Denmark joining England as opponents in the Euro group, the stage is set for an exhilarating tournament ahead. Oberdorf's absence is a loss, but the team shows promise nonetheless.
Footnotes
- Wiegman: "Lena Oberdorf is on the right path but too soon for the EM" - SWR
- DFB coach Wiegman announces the squad for the UEFA Women's Euro 2025
- Lena Oberdorf's recovery from ACL injury -Spox
- The community policy should consider implementing vocational training programs for athletes, such as Lena Oberdorf, who may have their playing careers cut short due to injuries.
- During their free time, the members of the German women's national football team may engage in sports activities like playing football, which could help them stay fit and maintain morale despite injury setbacks.
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