The joy and jubilation were palpable on the faces of the German national football team on the night that transitioned from Wednesday to Thursday. The victorious chants of “Paris, Paris – we’re going to Paris!” echoed from the German corner in Heerenveen and resonated later from the German team’s cabin. The celebrations were a result of their triumphant 2-0 win over the Netherlands, an accomplishment which secured their third place in the Nations League and a coveted spot in the upcoming Olympics.
The team danced and sang into the wee hours of the morning, their happiness uncontained, a stark contrast to their recent sporting downturn since the disappointing performance at the World Cup last summer. The victory was a much-needed uplift to their spirits, marking one of the few successes they have enjoyed since their World Cup debacle. The interim national coach, Horst Hrubesch, and his team had been under immense pressure, and this victory provided a much-needed respite.
The alleviation of stress and tension was apparent to everyone involved with the team. The feeling was encapsulated by the goalkeeper Merle Frohms, who described it as a “huge burden” being lifted. Klara Bühl, one of the goalscorers, echoed these sentiments by reflecting on the challenging times they have faced since the World Cup. Alexandra Popp, in her post-match interview with ZDF, expressed her relief and happiness about the team managing to swing the game in their favor.
The Olympic dream is once more within grasp for Popp and Hrubesch, both of whom had experienced it in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, Hrubesch with the men’s team and Popp with the women’s team. However, in the aftermath of the grand celebrations at the Abe Lenstra Stadium in Heerenveen, the German Football Association now has the task of planning and strategizing for the upcoming Olympics.
With the group draw happening in March, the first qualifying games for the 2025 European Championships in Switzerland would shortly follow. Hrubesch, who is set to remain in office for the time being, would supervise this. However, uncertainty looms over the introduction of the future national coach. DFB sports director Nia Künzer assured that the information about how things will proceed would be promptly communicated.
The time between the last European Championship qualifying game and the tournament in France is a mere nine days. The group opponents for the European Championship qualifying would be announced next Tuesday. As the team prepares for the Olympics, the focus would be on revitalizing and reinventing the team. Some players like Popp, Marina Hegering, and Svenja Huth, all over 30 years of age, might consider retirement after the Olympics, with Popp hinting at such a possibility recently.
The German footballers showed an admirable display of determination and willpower in their victory over the Dutch team. However, the win also brought their playing deficits to the forefront. Their win could also be attributed to the lackluster defense put up by their opponents, led by Coach Andries Jonker. When compared to the first-placed match in the Nations League between France and Spain, it is clear that Germany still has a long way to go.
Introducing fresh, young talent after the summer could be a late decision in view of the upcoming European Championships. Currently, Jule Brand, at 21, is the youngest player and regularly plays at the highest level – a practice that is not common among the top footballing nations.
Despite the current phase of celebration stemming from the Olympic qualification, the most prestigious tournament in women’s football, the German Football Association will soon need to shift its focus towards preparing for the Olympics in Paris. The task involves strategizing how Germany can regain its past glory and remain competitive in the global arena.
