Suche
Mein Konto
Berger back in the DFB team? Wück relies on strong goalkeepers!
Ludwigshafen am Rhein: Ann-Katrin Berger returns to the DFB team. EM 2025 and possible successor Stina Johannes in view.
Berger back in the DFB team? Wück relies on strong goalkeepers!
The anticipation for the Nations League finals against Spain is increasing, and the discussion about the goalkeeper position in the German women's national soccer team is becoming more and more intense. Ann-Katrin Berger, the veteran goalkeeper from US club Gotham FC, is expected to return from injury in the semi-finals. National coach Christian Wück expressed optimism about their chances as the team prepares for the first leg on November 28th in Kaiserslautern and the second leg on December 2nd in Madrid. Wück also praised Stina Johannes from VfL Wolfsburg for her strong performances against France and sees her as a possible successor to Berger if she does not get fit in time.
What can we expect from Ann-Katrin Berger? She is 35 years old and has had an impressive career, during which she even successfully battled cancer twice. Berger is considered a strong player who is good at positional play and intercepting crosses. During her absence, which was caused by a knee injury, Stina Johannes took advantage of her opportunity and impressed with a solid performance. Johannes himself said that she has no claims for a regular place and hopes that Berger will soon be fully operational again. The relationship between the two goalkeepers is good, which further strengthens the team dynamic.
The German squad and the challenges before the European Championship
As part of the preparation for the 2025 European Football Championship, the German squad was named, which also includes Berger and Johannes. Other goalkeepers in the squad are 21-year-old Ena Mahmutovic, who was used due to injuries to other players, but is unlikely to play at the European Championships. In defense, captain Giulia Gwinn had to miss due to injury, which increases the challenge for Wück as the pressure on the experienced players in the team increases.
The defense is strengthened by experienced players like Kathrin Hendrich and Rebecca Knaak, while younger talents like Franziska Kett hope for valuable minutes. In midfield, players like Sara Däbritz and Linda Dallmann are a key component, while the offensive is led by stars like Klara Bühl and Lea Schüller.
The international context
An interesting aspect is the return of Berger to the USA, where she currently plays for Gotham FC, and the return of her colleague Almuth Schult, who is now under contract with the Kansas City Current. Both players have a long history together and will now meet in the US league. This will be a first, as there have never been two German goalkeepers in the NWSL before. Wück is watching what's happening carefully to determine the future number one goalkeeper for the national team.
The meeting between Schult and Berger will not only be interesting for the two goalkeepers, but could also provide crucial insights for the national team. Berger has had many appearances at Gotham FC and contributes to the team dynamic, while Schult hopes to make her comeback to the national team after her return from maternity leave. Their performances in the NWSL could be crucial to who takes care of the goal in the upcoming tournament.
In the end, it remains to be seen how the situation develops and whether Berger will be fit in time. But one thing is clear: the entire team will give everything to successfully assert themselves against Spain and maintain their chances of winning the title. The signs are exciting and the fans can look forward to exciting games.