Lena Oberdorf's Euros Heartbreak: Benched for Bayern, Benched for Germany
Lena Oberdorf eludes presence at the European Championships (EM)
By Anja Rau (with a dash of snark!)
The pitch in Vienna is ablaze with ambition as the German women's team takes on Austria, aiming to shore up their chances for the Euros - all while snack-loving Lena Oberdorf is stuck on the sidelines. The skilled defender has been left off the Euros roster, leaving her dreams of a taste of the tournament shattered, yet her spirit remains vibrant off the field.
Lena Oberdforf has been everywhere but on the pitch this tournament season. From munching popcorn in stadium stands to tossing pleasantries with opposing players, she's got the energy and charisma to light up every conversation. But the disappointment of missing out on Euros action is palpable.
The team's wins against Austria (6-0) and the Netherlands (4-0) may have boosted morale and fuelled Euros excitement, but they also underlined the void left by Oberdorf's absence. A disastrous first half against Austria and Scotland had sown doubts about Germany's chances at the Euros. The 2023 World Cup fiasco is still a fresh wound in everyone's memory.
Euro Fever reaches a High
Fans are eager to move on from the past, and the team's promising performances have rekindled excitement. "We're living the Euro euphoria," declares head coach Christian Wueck after the thrashing of Austria. He's optimistic, acknowledging that Austria failed to qualify for the Euros and the Netherlands could have played better. But the Euros' quarter-finals anticipate a tougher test, with Germany facing a group including reigning champions England, top team France, and the Netherlands. Wueck wants to seize the opportunity: "We're aware of our responsibility - if we play well, women's football in Germany could take a giant leap forward."
The unexpected success at the 2022 Euros, where the team became vice-champions, set the stage for exciting growth. Suddenly, stadiums were filled with spectators, player names adorned jerseys, and prime-time games were a regular occurrence. The World Cup setback and an unfortunate Olympics bronze medal didn't slow the momentum, and the arrival of new head coach Wueck has only accelerated the pace.
Wueck may not have won over the public like Julian Nagelsmann with the men's team, but his determination and focus have made an impact. His bold decision to exclude several players has been a topic of debate, with some complaining about poor communication.
The Oberdorf Affair
Communication lapses surrounded Oberdorf's surprising squad announcement, adding to the confusion. A long-term ACL injury and employment at Bayern Munich without game time have left Oberdorf in a peculiar situation. The club and the DFB eventually agreed that she could be part of the team but not play. Wück initially indicated that Oberdorf was fit to play, causing public confusion.
"Obi is a regular part of the team. She trains normally, blends in well. It's not just about Obi, it's about the team," Wück said before the Austria match. But he also conceded, "We can still observe that she listens to her body, her knee, and perhaps her mind isn't yet fully liberated." Oberdorf's usual robust play and elite standing in the world of football make this an unusual situation for such a seasoned player.
Trading Places
Elisa Senß and Sjoeke Nüsken have emerged as important players in Oberdorf's absence. Rebekka Knaak, an unnoticed talent, has also been given the chance to shine. Janina Minge has been appointed co-captain, giving her additional responsibility. The success without Oberdorf has been surprising but encouraging.
Lena Oberdorf: The Player Left Behind
The unexpected success at the 2022 Euros, where the team became vice-champions and captivated the nation, set the ball rolling. Suddenly, there were regularly thousands of spectators, players' names on the back of jerseys, and games broadcast at prime time. The unfortunate incident at the 2023 World Cup didn't derail the progress, and winning bronze at the Olympics last year added more momentum. New head coach Wueck had to step in after the popular yet eccentric Horst Hrubesch.
Unlike Julian Nagelsmann with the men's team, Wueck hasn't immediately won over the public with his charisma and witty remarks. His decision not to nominate several players caused controversy, with some publicly complaining about poor communication.
The unfortunate communication surrounding Oberdorf's squad announcement has fueled further controversy. Now, Oberdorf is left watching as her teammates prepare for the Euros. Despite her disappointment, she retains her usual infectious energy and resilience, offering support from the sidelines.
"Obi is a normal part of the team," Wück said before the Austria match. "She trains normally, integrates well. It's not just about Obi, it's about the team." But the class trip has ended for Oberdorf - she won't be part of the Euros squad. Wück announced his decision hours after the Austria match: "Lena is on a good path, but the Euros are too early for her. We want to give her time to prepare fully and look forward to seeing her in the new season." The public reaction has been mixed, with fans and players expressing various opinions on the decision.
With the Euros on the horizon, the team will face Poland, Denmark, and England in the group stage. Gwinn, the current team captain, will lead the charge after Alexandra Popp's retirement. It remains to be seen how Oberdorf will manage her absence from the tournament and how it will impact the team's performance.
Football Spectacular: While Oberdorf waits for her next opportunity, the team continues to shine on the field. Sydney Lohmann, a double goalscorer in the match against Austria, is a player to watch. Though hampered by injuries in the past, Lohmann is determined to make her mark. Ianna Minge, appointed co-captain, has taken on the challenge and emerged as a valuable asset to the team. The German women's national team is poised to make a strong showing at the Euros. Until then, they continue to hone their skills and prepare for the high stakes of international competition.
Lena Oberdorf, despite her exclusion from the Euros, remains an active part of the team, offering support from the sidelines while continuing her vocational training at Bayern Munich. In her absence, vocational training opportunities have been handed to Elisa Senß, Sjoeke Nüsken, and Janina Minge, who have all demonstrated their worth on the pitch. On the bright side, the team's passion for sports, particularly football, shown in their recent victories against Austria and the Netherlands, indicates a promising future for women's football in Germany.
){kind=link}