DFB Women's Team: Can a Youngster Solve a Persistent Problem?

The German women's national football team is on the verge of a significant step towards the World Cup, with two upcoming matches against their struggling neighbors, Austria.

Despite the rainy weather, the team exuded high spirits on their home ground as they prepared for their journey towards the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. Players like Giulia Gwinn and Rebecca Knaak shared laughs, Jule Brand lightened Lea Schüller's mood, and 'mood booster' Linda Dallmann radiated positivity. However, the DFB squad anticipates a challenging encounter in their double-header against a faltering Austrian side.

Vice-captain Janina Minge senses a 'derby vibe' as the first match against many familiar Bundesliga faces approaches on Tuesday at the Max-Morlock-Stadion in Nuremberg. "I know they will give 200 percent to annoy us," warned the Wolfsburg player. "It's a neighboring duel. You simply know each other," Dallmann emphasized. A reunion is scheduled for Saturday in Ried (6:00 PM/sportschau.de).

Following their impressive 5-0 victory over Slovenia and a 4-0 win in Norway during their triumphant start in early March, the objective against the winless bottom team of Group A4 is clear. This is especially true since the DFB team has won all their encounters against Austria since 2024. "We want to dominate both games," stressed Chelsea star Sjoeke Nüsken, "to take that big, important step." Only group winners will secure direct qualification for the title hunt in Brazil.

Therefore, the focus of their extensive preparation in Herzogenaurach was on build-up play. "A major focus was on timing. That will also be a key to the game," said national coach Christian Wück. In the absence of the injured Klara Bühl, he opted against personnel experiments, with all 23 players fit and ready to play.

Will a DFB 'Fledgling' Finally Solve a Long-Standing Issue?

While the team's efficiency has shown an upward trend recently, there remains room for improvement. "We can create even more scoring chances, play the final pass more consistently," said Jule Brand of OL Lyon, who is expected to play in the number ten position and could become a key player there.

The move from VfL Wolfsburg to the record Champions League winners in the summer has undoubtedly helped Brand take the next step. "At Lyon, there are so many top players from whom I learn in every training session," said the 23-year-old. "I pick up things from them."

The younger players are also expected to learn and grow within the DFB camp. Jella Veit, the youngest member of the squad, aims to make her mark in the persistent problem area of central defense. The 20-year-old from Eintracht Frankfurt made her debut in Norway and hopes for more playing time.

"I don't want to hide, but to show who I am and what I can do," said Veit, who raved about the "great characters" and the exceptionally harmonious atmosphere within the DFB team, led by Dallmann, whom Nüsken dubbed the 'mood booster'. "It was super easy to integrate into the team."

Above all, the dream of the World Cup looms large for the two-time world champions. "I've experienced the Euros now. A World Cup is something completely different," defender Knaak (Manchester City) told ARD. "And then Brazil – generally, it's just a football-loving country. It's certainly a tournament you absolutely want to experience."