Even after the clear 5-1 win against Wales, Horst Hrubesch still sees room for improvement among the German footballers.
“I actually assumed that everything wasn’t going smoothly,” said the interim national coach after the Nations League game in Sinsheim. “I think we just have to play safer – calmer in the build-up game, make a lot fewer mistakes,” explained the 72-year-old coach when he returned to the sidelines.
Hrubesch struggled particularly with the use of opportunities – despite the five goals scored by Lea Schüller (25th and 47th minutes), Giulia Gwinn (80th/foul penalty), Sjoeke Nüsken (86th) and Nicole Anyomi (88th). As an example, the former striker cited Schüller, who was successful twice with a header. “With Lea, we know that she can do it,” said the former header specialist Hrubesch, but: “There is actually much, much more that can be done. I told her that right after the game. She also knows that I am critical. ” The 25-year-old FC Bayern striker now has “more options”.
Winning the group on your own is still possible
Meanwhile, the DFB team retained the opportunity to win the group on their own. However, their toughest rival Denmark also won in Iceland (1-0) and remains leader (nine points) ahead of Germany (six). Only the first one will advance to the Nations League final tournament, where two tickets for the Olympic Games in Paris will be awarded at the beginning of 2024.
After the fuss over the past few days surrounding national coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg (55), who was taking a break, Hrubesch was generally happy about the clear success. “I really enjoyed it,” said the 1980 European champion. “I believe in this team, I believe in the quality.”
He will give everything to reach the Olympics with the team. To achieve this, the DFB selection will have to step up their game on Tuesday in Iceland (8 p.m./zdf.de). The first leg in Bochum ended 4-0 for the European vice-champions. But Hrubesch already warned: “We will have to bite and we will have to win this game. Quite simply, that’s what it’s all about.”
