Germany is heading to the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 in Switzerland with a clear goal: to reclaim their place at the top of women's football. As the most successful team in the tournament's history, with eight titles, Germany is determined to end their longest title drought since their Olympic gold medal in Rio 2016. However, they face a challenging path, with key players missing and a new generation stepping up.
The Road to Euro 2025
Germany qualified for Euro 2025 by winning Group A4, showcasing their dominance against Austria, Iceland, and Poland. However, a surprising 3-0 defeat to Iceland highlighted vulnerabilities. Under coach Christian Wück, Germany aims to blend experience with fresh talent. Wück's first match was a 4-3 victory against England, avenging their 2022 final loss. An unbeaten Nations League campaign, marked by high-scoring wins, further solidified their contender status.
The Wück Era: A New Chapter
Christian Wück, appointed in 2024, brings experience from his time with Germany's Under-17 team. He aims to reignite the team's winning mentality. Wück acknowledges the transition the team is undergoing, with retirements and new talents emerging. He emphasizes collective responsibility, highlighting co-captains Giulia Gwinn and Janina Minge as crucial links to the team. Wück seeks to inspire the nation with a distinct German style of play.
Squad Analysis
Germany's squad retains 11 players from the Euro 2022 final, blending experience with youth. However, key players like Alexandra Popp (retired) and Lena Oberdorf (injured) are absent. Giulia Gwinn captains the side, while young talents like Cora Zicai offer promise. Felicitas Rauch and Nicole Anyomi, who criticized Wück's communication, were not selected.
Key Players to Watch
Strengths and Weaknesses
Germany possesses individual quality and a strong team spirit. Their attacking quartet combined for 19 goals in the recent Nations League campaign, showcasing their offensive power. However, the absence of key players and defensive vulnerabilities remain concerns. Germany's reliance on their goalkeeper's distribution highlights their build-up strategy.
Style of Play
Germany employs a fluid 4-2-3-1 formation in possession. The full-backs push high and wide, while the wingers drop deep. Out of possession, they defend in a high 4-3-3, pressing aggressively in the opponent's second third.
Euro 2025 Group and Potential Path
Germany is in Group C with Poland, Denmark, and Sweden. While they are expected to top the group, tough matches against Denmark and Sweden await. A potential quarter-final clash against a team from the "group of death" (England, France, Netherlands, Wales) looms. If they win Group C, they might avoid playing Spain or England until the final, provided those teams also win their respective groups.
Germany's Chances
Despite the challenges, Germany is considered among the favorites for Euro 2025. Their history, talent, and recent form make them a formidable opponent. However, they must overcome their title drought and integrate new players to succeed. With a blend of experience and emerging stars, Germany aims to conquer Europe once again.
