The DFB women’s team began their Nations League campaign with a frustrating 2:2 draw against the Netherlands. Head coach Christian Wück expressed disappointment over the team’s lethargy and highlighted defensive weaknesses, particularly with injuries affecting key players. Despite the challenges, Wück praised Klara Bühl’s exceptional performance and urged for more offensive presence. As they prepare for their next match against Austria, Wück aims to address the team’s shortcomings while focusing on maximizing their talent ahead of the European Championship.
The DFB women’s team kicks off their Nations League campaign with a disappointing draw against the Netherlands. A standout performance from a Wolfsburg striker casts a shadow over national coach Christian Wück, who highlights both critical areas for improvement and the brilliance of one player.
In his inaugural competitive match as the head coach of the German women’s football team, Christian Wück was visibly frustrated, demonstrating the passion that he felt was lacking from his squad on the field. Following the 2:2 (1:1) draw in their Nations League opener, Wück expressed his dissatisfaction, stating on ARD that ‘the DFB players were far too lethargic’ at key moments. He emphasized the need for these ‘learning moments’ to become stepping stones for future improvement.
As the team prepares for their upcoming match against Austria in Nuremberg on Tuesday (6:15 PM/ZDF and in the ntv.de live ticker), Wück carries with him not only valuable lessons but also concerns. Austria enters the fray after securing a 1:0 victory against Scotland, making the competition even more intense, with only the group winner earning a spot in the semifinals.
Defensive Disarray
The team’s defensive issues are particularly pressing, especially with center-backs Kathrin Hendrich and Sara Doorsoun sidelined due to injury. Wück commented on the defensive lapses that led to the 2:2 result, noting, ‘We cannot allow crosses from the outside, we must not be passive with two players on the flanks, and we need to be more organized in the center.’ The confusion was evident, particularly with Klara Bühl and Sarai Linder struggling to maintain their positions on the wings.
Captain Giulia Gwinn also faced challenges in her role. Wearing a rainbow armband for the first time, she failed to mark the dangerous Lineth Beerensteyn, who scored the opening goal in the 66th minute. Gwinn acknowledged the need to prevent outside crosses, recognizing that stability in defense is essential going forward.
The first goal conceded was alarmingly simple, as a straightforward through ball exploited the defense’s vulnerabilities. DFB debutant Rebecca Knaak found herself outpaced by Wolfsburg’s Beerensteyn, who previously played for FC Bayern. Wück defended Knaak’s performance, stating, ‘It’s tough against someone like Beerensteyn,’ while lamenting the inability to stop such passes with multiple players.
Bühl Shines with World-Class Talent
Despite the challenges, Wück finds solace in the remarkable talent within his squad. He lauded Klara Bühl as a ‘top player at absolutely world-class level,’ praising her for assisting Lea Schüller in scoring the equalizer. ‘We possess the goal scorers and players adept in the air, and I believe this should define our team moving forward,’ he urged, calling for more crosses and a stronger presence in the opponent’s penalty area.
On the opposite flank, Jule Brand displayed her impressive skills by setting up Sjoeke Nüsken for a 2:1 lead in the 50th minute. Gwinn diplomatically referred to the match as having both ‘highs and lows,’ and Wück is eager to address the lows as he works to assemble the best possible lineup for the European Championship in July in Switzerland during the Nations League matches.