Germany completed its undefeated Women’s World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-0 win over Slovenia, having already qualified for next summer’s tournament in Brazil thanks to a 2-0 win over Norway at the weekend.
Head coach Christian Wück enjoyed his birthday celebrations with a shutout and some heavy rotation as the circumstances allowed for a chance to test out the full range of depth on offer in Germany’s June squad. The match proved tough sledding for most of the first half, however, until a breakthrough
in the 40th minute with a chaotic goal from a corner kick ultimately credited to Wolfsburg’s Sarai Linder — though it might have been given as an own goal instead.
West Ham forward Shekiera Martinez doubled the German advantage shortly after the break when Slovenian keeper Zala Meršnik spilled a longer range effort from Melissa Kössler. Martinez was there to pick up the scraps and collected her reward for a lively performance throughout the day.
Germany had multiple chances to score again but did not make the most of them. Martinez fumbled with the ball at her feet on a breakaway chance and Kössler poked over the bar from point-blank distance. Linder whipped in several dangerous crosses after excellent work on the left flank only to narrowly miss her mark in the box, usually Martinez. With fifteen minutes to go, Wück threw on his big guns: Lyon winger Jule Brand and Chelsea midfielder Sjoeke Nüsken, two of the regular starters, but neither found a breakthrough.
Slovenia threatened on occasion but were offside twice on their most lethal chances in either half — the first one a close call that might have left the Germans down a goal early. But with the stakes low, so was the drama, and though Germany was not at its sharpest, they got the better of their opposition in most phases of the game. Now, some well-earned rest ahead of what is to be a challenging and intense calendar leading up to Brazil.
The full match was streamed live and the replay is available on YouTube.
Germany XI: Kössler — Bühl — Martinez – Endemann — Senß — Gräwe — Linder — Küver — Minge — Wamser — Mahmutovic (GK)
If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…
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