Women’s World Cup 2023 team guides: Germany
Germany are fourth favourites to win the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand this summer. After narrowly missing out at the European Championship, losing 2-1 to England in the final moments, Germany will be eyeing up the biggest glory in football.
Germany has always had a strong football image, but after the quarter-final defeats at the 2017 European Championship and the 2019 World Cup, the Germans no longer looked like favourites to win the World Cup.
But EURO 2022 saw Germany reinvent itself and hope was high amongst Germany’s fans.
“I’m still relatively relaxed because I have great confidence in our players”
Martina Voss-Tecklenburg
The World Cup prep hasn’t been all smooth going though. Bayern Munich released their five selected players three days later than previously agreed and the warm-up matches haven’t been particularly convincing. But manager Martina Voss-Tecklenburg isn’t worried, she’s been in a similar position with the team before and is looking ahead to a competitive tournament.
Germany are fourth favourite to win behind the US in first place, England in second, and Spain in third. Fellow European nation France rounds out the top 5.
Martina Voss-Tecklenburg said: “I’m still relatively relaxed because I have great confidence in our players.”
Not only is the boss confident, the German fans are as well. Almost 18 million watched the EURO 2022 final on ARD – when Germany almost beat England to win the European Championship. Fewer people tuned in to watch the group-stage matches for Germany’s men’s team in Qatar last year.
The team were aware of the euphoria they had sparked at the EUROs, said captain Alexandra Popp. “And we are also aware that we have the pressure to at least confirm that at the World Cup.”
The coach favours a 4-3-3 although she says she wants the team to be able to adapt. She is able to identify an XI that works well together.
She didn’t include the versatile Bayern player Giulia Gwinn, 24, who is back in training following being out with an injury.
Germany shouldn’t struggle to top their group. In the round of 16, they could face France or Brazil.
Germany’s coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg
Martina Voss-Tecklenburg has the support of her nation and team. She is regarded as a great motivator and her leadership is widely valued by the German fans.
Her famous own goal in 2003 in the 89th minute – the goal that decided the German Cup final, and the only own goal she ever scored, turned her into a sympathetic figure in the country. Not only because of the situation but as she said: “It’s better that it happened to me than to one of our young players.”
Germany’s star player Alexandra Popp
Alexandra Popp is the team’s star player. She always makes the extra effort, but most importantly she’s a highly skilled player.
At 32, Popp has plenty of experience in high-pressure situations. She also has a great knack for scoring incredible goals. During the EURO 2022, she scored in every match until the final against England – which she didn’t play in due to injury.
Then she became the top scorer in the Bundesliga for the first time: “I would have gladly swapped the championship trophy with the goalscoring trophy,” she said afterwards.
This summer’s tournament could see Pop in midfield instead of upfront, with her versatility key to Germany’s success.
Germany’s rising star Jule Brand
Germany will be taking several young players to the summer tournament, including midfielder Lena Oberdor and Klara Bühl – who plays on the left wing.
But all eyes will be on rising star Jule Brand, who is one of Germany’s greatest offensive talents, she has great technique and dribbling ability and this summer could be her big breakout moment.
Women’s football in Germany
Interest in women’s football in Germany has never been higher. The team’s success comes amid a decline in interest in the men’s national team. They now have the chance to build on the success of the EUROs 2022.
Will Germany win the World Cup 2023?
Germany will likely top their group but by the Round of 16, they will likely either meet Brazil or France – which could see them knocked out.
We predict Germany is knocked out in the quarter-finals.
