Christian Wück’s birthday party was not as bright as expected. The coach of the German women’s team turned 53 this Tuesday, but the players delivered a performance that was more tepid than festive. In the last game of the group stage of the European Qualifications for the 2027 World Cup, Germany beat Slovenia, bottom of the group, 2-0, in Ljubljana.
The team played six Quali matches, with five wins and just one dull draw against Austria. The team will go to the World Cup in Brazil in the summer of 2027, having already qualified even before this triumph in Slovenia.
Therefore, the coach promoted a major renovation in the lineup. Eight different players from the 2-0 victory against Norway came into the starting line-up. Wück had commented that he hoped the “suit fit well”. The answer was that the fit wasn’t perfect yet.
Instead of a fireworks display, the game was lukewarm for a long time. The first dangerous shot came in the 13th minute, with Vivien Endemann. The Germans then got lucky when Slovenia’s Maja Sternad scored from an offside position. Bayern goalkeeper Ena Mahmutovic, who replaced Ann-Katrin Berger, made several important saves in her second international appearance.
In the 39th minute, Klara Bühl took a corner kick. Sarai Linder deflected it at the near post and Slovenian Lara Prasnikar, a former Eintracht Frankfurt player, tried to clear it, but pushed the ball into her own goal. It was 1-0.
At halftime, Wück brought on Selina Cerci, Larissa Mühlhaus and Sophia Kleinherne, three athletes who normally don’t start playing. The three brought more intensity. Along with Mahmutovic, Wolfsburgers Camilla Küver and Vivien Endemann stood out. The striker, who goes to Liverpool, almost doubled in the 55th minute.
In the 50th minute, Melissa Kössler shot from distance. Goalkeeper Zala Mersnik hit the ball and Shekiera Martinez took advantage of the rebound to score. It was her first goal for the main team, closing the score at 2-0.
Although the final performance was not brilliant, the result of the Qualification is positive. Germany finished with five wins, one draw and only one goal conceded in six games. Now the team waits for the others to qualify and will play friendlies in the fall.
Planning leading up to the World Cup foresees four matches in October, November and December. At the end of the year, the groups are drawn. In 2027, there will be six more games in the Nations League, with the aim of qualifying for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
The Women’s World Cup starts on June 24, 2027, in Brazil. The final is scheduled for July 25th, at Maracanã.