On Friday, Germany defeated Poland 2-0 to open their account at the Women’s European Championships. It was an important three points with upcoming group stage matches against Denmark (Tuesday) and Sweden (Saturday).
Poland came to play
Germany came into this game as handy favorites, but the Polish side brought the fight — both with resolute, mostly disciplined defending and enough of a threat on the counter to keep the Germans honest. Honestly, Germany showed a fair bit of vulnerability in advancing high up the field, particularly with their full-backs. An errant pass out the back here, a step too slow in the center of the pitch there — Poland exposed a fair amount for Germany to tidy up.
Giulia Gwinn injury blow
Speaking of full-backs…Germany’s captain and starting right-back Giulia Gwinn suffered what was later confirmed to be an MCL sprain in her left knee and her EUROs journey is already over. The Bayern Munich star’s leadership and on-field ability will be extraordinarily missed, and also she was the closest thing to a right-back on the entire roster. She was replaced by new Bayer Leverkusen signing Carlotta Wamser, who filled in admirably but has been regarded as more of a winger in her young career. The position — and the backline — will be an area to monitor going forward.
Germany’s attacking firepower sparkles
When Germany had control but still needed a goal to push for a result, individual quality came to the fore. Newly minted Lyon winger Jule Brand walloped a sumptuous strike from range. It was a moment of real magic at a time when Poland’s stubborn defensive setup was doing its job, as described excellently in this tactical analysis from women’s football writer Maryam Clark.
It wasn’t just Brand. Bayern superstar Klara Bühl didn’t get on the scoresheet but was at her best marauding down and supplying danger from the opposite wing. Lea Schüller had a tough time influencing the game but her goal should give her confidence to grow into the tournament. Sometimes it doesn’t matter how soundly you set up, you need a bit of razzle-dazzle in your attack. Germany has that.
Christian Wück era looking bright
Germany finished as runner-ups in the last EUROs only three years ago, so it hasn’t quite been a period of wandering in the wilderness. Still, Wück has brought undeniable rejuvenation to the squad in his short time in charge and has started off his first tournament in the right way. He has handled the transition from mainstays like Alexandra Popp, Lina Magull, and Marina Hegering with aplomb and has a collection of intriguing attacking talents yet to be fully unleashed, but who may yet write themselves into the history books over the course of the tournament. It’s a promising time to be a Germany fan.
