The German women’s national team began their SheBelieves Cup campaign with a 1-0 defeat to the USA. The German women have now gone 13 years without a win against the 2015 World Cup winners. Lynn Williams struck in the 56th what proved to be the winner for the defending champions in an intense game in Chester, Pennsylvania. It was Steffi Jones’ first defeat in her sixth match as head coach of the German national team.
"It’s a real shame the way it played out. We would have liked to have won,” said Jones. "We lost our shape at the crucial moment and were punished, but we’ll take a lot from this game. After the long journey, I’m proud of the performance despite the defeat. We spread the play well, but at times lacked precision.”
In front of 16,318 spectators in the Talen Energy Stadium, the home ground of MLS side Philadelphia Union, the German team was at it from the start. The two-time world and eight-time European champions were defensively strong. In attack, Isabel Kerschowski and Sara Däbritz had early chances. For the USA, Crystal Dunn had a shot which was well saved by goalkeeper Almuth Schult.
USA up the tempo in the second-half
Straightaway after the interval, led by current female world player of the year Carli Lloyd, the USA raised the tempo and promptly took the lead. Kerschowski lost the ball and Christen Press’ resulting shot hit the crossbar, only to rebound to Williams who found the back of the net. As the game wore on, the USA only got stronger as the German women were unable to find the right pass in the final third.
Anja Mittag, who was playing in her 150th game for the national team, was unable to score her 50th international goal. “I’m proud to have played my 150th international game,” said Mittag. “But it’s a shame that we just lost. There was more in it for us.”
Captain Dzsenifer Marozsan reflected on the game similarly, “We gave everything and worked hard as a team. But you can’t afford to make any mistakes against the USA.”
SheBelieves-Cup: Match between France and England
The German women’s national team began their SheBelieves Cup campaign with a 1-0 defeat to the USA. The German women have now gone 13 years without a win against the 2015 World Cup winners. Lynn Williams struck in the 56th what proved to be the winner for the defending champions in an intense game in Chester, Pennsylvania. It was Steffi Jones’ first defeat in her sixth match as head coach of the German national team.
"It’s a real shame the way it played out. We would have liked to have won,” said Jones. "We lost our shape at the crucial moment and were punished, but we’ll take a lot from this game. After the long journey, I’m proud of the performance despite the defeat. We spread the play well, but at times lacked precision.”
In front of 16,318 spectators in the Talen Energy Stadium, the home ground of MLS side Philadelphia Union, the German team was at it from the start. The two-time world and eight-time European champions were defensively strong. In attack, Isabel Kerschowski and Sara Däbritz had early chances. For the USA, Crystal Dunn had a shot which was well saved by goalkeeper Almuth Schult.
USA up the tempo in the second-half
Straightaway after the interval, led by current female world player of the year Carli Lloyd, the USA raised the tempo and promptly took the lead. Kerschowski lost the ball and Christen Press’ resulting shot hit the crossbar, only to rebound to Williams who found the back of the net. As the game wore on, the USA only got stronger as the German women were unable to find the right pass in the final third.
Anja Mittag, who was playing in her 150th game for the national team, was unable to score her 50th international goal. “I’m proud to have played my 150th international game,” said Mittag. “But it’s a shame that we just lost. There was more in it for us.”
Captain Dzsenifer Marozsan reflected on the game similarly, “We gave everything and worked hard as a team. But you can’t afford to make any mistakes against the USA.”
SheBelieves-Cup: Match between France and England
Four and a half months before the European Championships, a tournament which Germany will go into as defending champions, the Germans are due to play France in their second match of the SheBelieves cup on Saturday (20:15 CET). France beat England 2-1 in their opening match and Germany will face England on Tuesday (22:00 CET).
After the tournament, the Germans, who are without Tabea Kemme, Svenja Huth, Lena Goeßling, Simone Laudehr and Melanie Leupolz, next play on 9th April (15:00 CET) against Olympic bronze medalists Canada in Erfurt.
Formal preparation for the European Championships begins on 18th June with three training camps. The last international match in Germany before the tournament is scheduled for 4th July, opponent and location is yet to be confirmed. The Championships will run from 16th July to 6th August and Germany will play Sweden (17th July), Italy (21st July) and Russia (25th July).
