Jill Ellis was satisfied: “The time for predictability is over,” said the icon of the American coach on the sidelines of the Women’s World Cup. “You see incredible parity, you see hard-fought games, you see rookies making a name for themselves.” A thesis with which we can agree.
The big favorites of the United States, Norway, Brazil, Canada and last but not least Germany were eliminated at the start of this tournament. The women of the DFB in particular seemed surprised by the end of the group stage. After the 1-1 draw with South Korea, the association had to rush to plan the early return to the country. The players were spontaneously divided into small groups and sent back to Germany by regular flight. It seems that no one at the DFB thought of an early exit.
The mistake with Alexandra Popp
The crisis in German women’s football is not only due to poor planning. The team has a lot to blame: in the second group game against Colombia, they played for a victory and conceded 1:2 at the last second. Along with Chantal Hagel and Svenja Huth, she fielded no trained full-backs against South Korea. A circumstance that opponents have exploited without mercy. Alexandra Popp became the only target player for high balls in all appearances. These are tactical and strategic errors for which national coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg is responsible. But there will probably be no consequences. Why is it so?
DFB chairman Bernd Neuendorf, who is not a friend of harsh judgments anyway, called the departure a “shock absorber”. He had extended the contract with the national coach before the start of the tournament in an act of trust and had thus ruled out a plan B in advance. Now it has been clear: “I am convinced of the national coach. Presumably, officials will once again train themselves to “keep it up,” which they tearfully sell as harsh analysis.
A proven approach from the perspective of men’s football officials. Meanwhile, other teams speak for themselves.
Tobias Ahrens works as an editor 11FREUNDE – Football Culture Magazine.
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