One more win, then the Germany women’s can concentrate on the main goal of bringing home an Olympic medal. With a win against Croatia on Tuesday (18:00 CEST) in Osnabrück, the reigning champions will have all but wrapped up qualification to the 2017 European Championship.
A sixth win in the sixth qualifier is the aim, after winning the previous encounter 1-0 in Zagreb. “That wasn’t a great game from us, we were lacking in many areas,” said captain Saskia Bartusiak. “As a result, we want to show a completely different side.”
With an eight point lead over Hungary and Croatia, as well as eleven points on Russia and an impressive goal difference of 28-0, Germany have the best chance of securing direct qualification to the EUROs. Should Russia drop points against Hungary, Germany will be guaranteed top spot in group 5 with 18 points. The eight group winners and six best second-placed sides qualify for the finals in the Netherlands, while the two remaining second-placed sides face each other in a play-off.
Laudehr to miss out against Croatia
Immediately after the game, the focus will switch to the Olympics. On Wednesday, a DFB delegation including Silvia Neid will make their way to Rio De Janeiro where the draw will be made the following day. The locations in which the team will play will also be checked out during the trip.
Four days after the 6-0 win in Turkey, striker Anja Mittag expects a "very different game". "The Croatians will be more aggressive and give us far less room." As against Turkey, Laudehr will miss out on the upcoming game due to a thigh strain.
Kerschowski wants to shine again
For the players, there are three-and-a-half months to prove themselves for a spot in the Olympic squad. The numbers are restricted to 16 outfield players and two keepers and one of the contenders for a spot is Wolfsburg’s wing player Kerschowski. The 28-year-old did well to get in on the action in Istanbul, scoring a hat-trick and getting two assists.
Intense preparations for the Olympics will begin on 20th June and the team will meet four times, including two friendlies, before going to Brazil on 27th June. The EURO qualification will be concluded in September, when the team face Russia and Hungary.