Three German teams are in the top flight. Their chances are assessed differently by kicker columnist Verena Schweers.
I would like to start with a look at the German women’s national team. As was to be expected, they won their first two World Cup qualifying matches against Bulgaria (7:0) and Serbia (5:1). Coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg’s team went into both games as clear favourites. After initial difficulties, the German team fought their way into the game against Bulgaria, who were deep and biting in the duels, and gave the spectators seven beautifully played goals. The German team was not challenged at all, especially in defence.
This changed quickly in the second game against a brave Serbian team with a strong attacking presence. The German team lacked almost everything in the first half. They had hardly any control, no scoring chances worth mentioning and conceded their first goal in the World Cup qualifiers. In the end, thanks to a clear improvement in performance in the second half, the score was 5:1.
Brand brings a breath of fresh air
The DFB team is very well-stocked across the board, Voss-Tecklenburg is spoilt for choice. A good mix of cheeky young and experienced players are fighting for places at next year’s European Championships in England. In the centre of midfield, it is clear that the coach is relying on Sara Däbritz, Dzsenifer Marozsan and Lina Magull. For Melanie Leupolz and Sydney Lohmann, it’s a case of lining up at the back and convincing as wild cards.
Apart from that, there is not much that can be foreseen yet. Young players will continue to be given the opportunity to show themselves at international level. Once again, Jule Brand was convincing, bringing a breath of fresh air to the German game with her carefree attitude. There is still a lot to do, but the team can already set the course for the EURO. Since the opponents in the World Cup qualifiers can’t be a benchmark for the German team, I’m even more looking forward to the preparatory tournament in England in February. Against top teams from Spain, probably the Netherlands and host England, the majority of the team for the EURO will emerge.
My tips for the Champions League
The Champions League is effectively a new competition this year. The reform was necessary and will have an effect, I am already sure of that. I’m looking forward to the games that will now be played in the tried and tested group format. And as already mentioned last time: broadcast by DAZN as well as YouTube and thus with a correspondingly large reach and audience in front of the screens. The interest in women’s football is growing, that cannot be overlooked.
However, we almost sorely missed VfL Wolfsburg in the group stage. The qualifying matches were a hard slog, after two games against Girondins Bordeaux the score was 5:5 and it went into a penalty shoot-out via extra time. A new coach and a largely newly formed team: VfL still needs time. In the group stage, Wolfsburg will face last year’s finalists Chelsea, Juventus Turin and FC Chenois Servette (Switzerland) – sounds like top-class football and is a big challenge. My tip: VfL will finish second in the group behind Chelsea and thus advance.
Hoffenheim can make pinpricks in the championship battle
Who totally inspired and convinced me are the women of TSG Hoffenheim. I was hoping they would make it to the group stage. In the end, they beat three opponents, especially the two qualifying games against FC Rosengard were strong. To dominate an experienced opponent like that was impressive, especially on the still unknown international stage. Hoffenheim will now face FC Barcelona, FC Arsenal and HB Köge from Denmark in a tough group. I’m very curious to see how TSG will do, but I’m afraid it won’t quite be enough to get through the group stage.
FC Bayern have qualified directly for the group stage as 2020/2021 champions and will face Olympique Lyon, Benfica Lisbon and BK Häcken (Sweden). Surely it will be an exciting showdown with Lyon, but Bayern will go all the way to the next round.
Finally, a quick look at the domestic league: a familiar picture is emerging. Bayern are marching ahead, Wolfsburg are also staying on with three wins from three games. Eintracht Frankfurt, in contrast to last season, has started much better and has also collected nine points. Hoffenheim could not get beyond a draw at SGS Essen on matchday three. Surely also a tribute to the exhausting Champions League qualification. However, I believe that TSG has the quality to make pinpricks in the championship fight.
In general, I have a lot of hope that the games in the league will reach a new level. If you want to see for yourself: On Saturday, 9 October (6 pm), Bayern will host TSG Hoffenheim. The match will be broadcast live by ARD, in the middle of the men’s international break. Hopefully the teams will take advantage of the attention and convince the spectators – in the stadium and in front of the screens.
Verena Schweers
Verena Schweers has played in the Bundesliga for SC Freiburg and the top clubs VfL Wolfsburg and Bayern Munich. Among other things, she won the Champions League and the German championship twice each. The defender also made 47 international appearances for the DFB selection. She ended her active career in the summer of 2020.