Chasing after Lena Oberdorf: The European Championship Battleground Heats Up
Lena Oberdorf's supreme ambition drives the tennis tournament
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp E-Mail Print Copy link Only three games left until the European Championship: The race to secure a spot in the German women's national team is heating up. The midfield competition, in particular, is fierce.
Getting Lena Oberdorf back from her ACL injury might just swing the competition in her favor before the women's football Euros in Switzerland this July[1]. Yet, the Bayern Munich midfielder hasn't yet been cleared to play for her club, which cloudy's her Euro chances[1].
Wiek, the DFB coach, has his eyes set on the Scottish Nations League game on Tuesday (5:45 PM/ARD, KiKA, and ntv.de live ticker) for more insights. Following that, only two test matches remain before the Euros - against the Netherlands on May 20 in Bremen and Austria on June 3.
Defensively, the DFB staff is tight-lipped, but Klara Bühl, Lea Schüller, and Jule Brand have secured their spots in attack. Holding midfield, a position Oberdorf once dominated, is now up for grabs.
"I've got to see how my knee is and if I can play any more Bayern games," said Oberdorf following a match, voicing doubts about her Euro participation[1]. Wiek, having experienced his own comeback from a cruciate ligament injury, understands her dilemma. "In the end, it's about her knee's reaction. It would be good if she could play a couple more Bayern matches this season," he said[1].
Dallmann Steps Up
Meanwhile, other midfielders like Laura Freigang, Sydney Lohmann, and Sara Däbritz are finding themselves in a tough spot. Will they seize the opportunity, or will they miss their chance with the eagle emblem?
Sjoeke Nüsken, a Chelsea pro, and Elisa Sennß have been making waves in defensive midfield. Sennß has been an impressive addition, netting the opening goal in the 4-0 Scotland win[3]. While she may not have the immense power of Oberdorf, Sennß continues to shine with her bite, technical skills, and understanding of the game.
Linda Dallmann, at 1.58 meters tall, is increasingly turning heads as a versatile midfielder. Having moved past her joker status with the DFB selection[3], she's proving her worth in every appearance. Wiek lauded Dallmann, saying, "Linda has shown - whether she starts at the beginning or is substituted - that she changes the nature of the game."[3]
Minge and Däbritz on the Roster
Janina Minge, a VfL Wolfsburg player and current deputy captain, left a strong impression when the team won a bronze in France under Hrubesch. With her adaptability on the pitch and off it, she significantly adds to the team's strategic input during meetings. Wiegman believes Minge still has more to offer, both on and off the pitch.
Sara Däbritz is the only remaining player from the 2016 Olympic-winning team. With 106 caps under her belt, she's the most experienced player in the squad. Her substitute appearance against Austria in the 4:1 win brought much-needed stability to the midfield. A player of Däbritz's caliber can lend invaluable assistance as the team moves through a major transition phase.
Sources:
- ntv.de
- Ulrike John, dpa
- DFB Women
- Lena Oberdorf
- Football
- Women's Football
[1] , Accessed March 18, 2023.[2] , Retrieved March 18, 2023.[3] , Accessed March 18, 2023.[4] , Retrieved March 18, 2023.
Community aid may prove crucial for Lena Oberdorf's vocational training, as she recovers from her ACL injury, with the European Championship fast approaching. Midfielders like Laura Freigang, Sydney Lohmann, Sara Däbritz, and Linda Dallmann are all vying for a spot in the midfield, as Oberdorf's Euro participation remains uncertain. Despite her experience and 106 caps, Sara Däbritz's substitute appearances offer invaluable assistance during the team's major transition phase.
