The Lowdown on Germany: 'They're Vulnerable to Direct Through Balls in Transition'
In the words of Lizzo, it’s about damn time for the final of Euro 2022.
Sarina Wiegman said she was “incredibly proud” of her Lionesses after they eliminated Sweden in the semi-final, but quickly shifted her focus to Sunday’s match when quizzed at Bramall Lane.
"We’ll celebrate now a little bit,” she said pitchside, “but as we said before this tournament, we have a dream. We’ve come very far, and now we want to take it away.”
Now, the only team left standing between England and their dream is Germany. Martina Voss-Tecklenburg’s side squeezed their way back to London with a victory over France on Wednesday, relying on Alexandra Popp’s poaching instincts to come out on top.
Like the Lionesses, the Nationalelf are unbeaten at Euro 2022 and have conceded just once. But that is where the similarities between the finalists end.
England’s international honours list is bleak: two-time European Championship finalists and one-time third-place finishers at the World Cup.
Germany, by contrast, have won it all, including two World Cups, eight European Championships, and a Gold Medal at the 2016 Olympics.
They have also tormented England in head-to-head encounters, including a 6-2 win in the final of Euro 2009. Also of note: the Germans have won seven of their eight fixtures against the Lionesses in England, including both played at Wembley.
However, the two-time World Cup winners aren’t perfect, and history is there to be rewritten.
“Because Germany plays with a high defensive line, they are vulnerable to direct through balls in transition,” explains Josh Sim of Get German Football News. “This is especially shown as their full-backs are encouraged to join the attack, with right-back Giulia Gwinn in the penalty box at times to attack crosses.
“Therefore centre-backs Marina Hegering and Kathrin-Julia Hendrich are heavily relied upon to make the right decisions in covering for them, as well as Lena Oberdorf in the holding midfield role.”
There are also reasons to suspect that Wiegman’s approach will unsettle Germany in the final. (I covered this in more detail in my preview for Breaking The Lines.)
“With England having the highest number of accurate long balls (31.4, per FotMob) of all teams, this could be something they’d look to exploit,” says Sim. “Marking Oberdorf out of the game could also be a viable strategy, with Lina Magull and Sara Däbritz less defensively-minded.”
As noted by Yash Thakur, set plays could shape the tournament decider. Three of Germany’s 13 goals have followed dead-ball scenarios, including a pair of corner routines against Spain and Denmark.
Voss-Tecklenburg’s side took four corner-kicks against France, using choreographed moves to create high-danger scoring chances. With Mary Earps’ aerial reluctance in mind, it’s worth revisiting Germany’s routines:
Germany’s first corner arrived on the 12-minute mark. They crammed all but one of their forwards at the near post but crossed towards the onrushing Marina Hegering instead. Pauline Peyraud-Magnin dealt with the threat well.
Next, Germany attacked in straight lines, rushing with four players towards a six-yard box cross. Peyraud-Magnin just about did enough but wasn’t exactly a model of confidence…
Three minutes later, the Germans returned to their first routine, this time winning first contact before creating a ‘meh’ shooting chance.
Shortly after the break, Magull swung a corner at the near post – hoping one of three German forwards would connect with it. They did.
In other words, Germany will arrive at Wembley with a plan to exploit Earps’ lack of cross-claiming confidence. However, Wiegman & Co. will do the same.
Sim adds: “They’ve been solid defending crosses, but Austria did cause problems with their set-pieces, so that could be something to watch out for as well.”
Another point of difference between the finalists is that Voss-Tecklenbur has tinkered with personnel throughout the tournament.
“In terms of the line-up, it comes down to whether Klara Bühl is available,” Sim explains when quizzed about Germany’s potential starting eleven.
“She missed the semi-final against France having tested positive for COVID-19. Her speed and powerful shots have made her one of Germany’s most dangerous players. Her absence would be a blow, although Jule Brand’s direct running makes her a solid replacement, as she showed against France.
“With Lucy Bronze targeted against Sweden early on, Bühl’s directness alongside Felicitas Rauch would be an asset, especially as they’re able to combine very well in attack.”
However, the Lionesses shouldn’t expect their rivals to make wholesale changes at Wembley.
“Tactically, I wouldn’t expect major changes,” says Sim. “Germany’s pressing has largely been excellent throughout the tournament, and they’ve been clinical with their chances in attack. Against a possession-heavy Spain, there was more emphasis on counterattacking and with England having the second-highest average share of possession, we could see this approach once again.
“Germany’s bench has also played a key role with numerous players like Linda Dallmann making a strong impact when introduced, so in-game changes could be something to watch out for.”
England and Germany will try to bring out the fabulous on Sunday: which nation will prevail?
Josh Sim is a freelance multi-media sports journalist, covering football, basketball, motorsports, the AFL, NFL, and NBA. His current by-lines include Get German Football News and 90min.com.
Follow him on Twitter: @JoshSim8.