ÖFB Women Aim to Score Against Germany for the First Time

After a successful start in the Nations League Group A1 with the debut of new head coach Alexander Schriebl, the ÖFB women should face Germany with confidence on Tuesday (6:15 PM, live on ORF1) in Nuremberg.

ÖFB Women with Losing Streak Against Germany

Captain Sarah Puntigam and her team will start as group leaders after the 1-0 win in Ried on Friday, especially since the DFB team had to share points in a 2-2 draw in the Netherlands. This doesn't hold much significance yet. The role of favorites clearly lies with the hosts. "Germany is a different caliber and for me a clear favorite for the European Championship title," explained Schriebl. In head-to-head matches, the Germans lead 5-0, with a goal difference of 16:5.

Laura Feiersinger is one of the players who has been involved in all matches. "For me, it has always been an incredibly challenging duel," said the 31-year-old. The class difference has become smaller over time. "There are no longer such differences. Even for big nations, every game is tough. We have developed incredible energy, want to bring exactly that to the field, and with new freshness, aim to achieve something against Germany for the first time," stated the Cologne player as the game plan.

DFB Team "Clear Favorite for European Championship Title" According to Schriebl

Schriebl described the mission to take something tangible as "very difficult." "They didn't perform against the Dutch as hoped and will come at us with force," suspected the 46-year-old. He identified weaknesses in the opponent's defense, as shown by nine goals conceded in the last five international matches. "This shows that there are opportunities to hurt them."

The goal is to achieve this in front of at least 13,800 spectators with courage and intense pressing. "It's unpleasant when you're constantly being challenged, being aggressive," said Schriebl. At the very least, they want to ensure a close game. "What comes out in the end also has a bit to do with luck, which we hope to force." Sarah Zadrazil cannot play a role, as she is missing against Germany for the third time in a row.

"Zadi is an outstanding player with an incredible amount of experience, but you can't change it, and that's why you have a squad," said Schriebl. Now it's up to another player to "seize the opportunity." Just as defenders Claudia Wenger and Chiara d'Angelo succeeded against Scotland. It remains open who will replace Zadrazil in the team. It seems certain that Puntigam will return from the left to her usual position in defensive midfield. "Sarah for Sarah is definitely a good option," emphasized Schriebl.

Scotland Victory "Did the ÖFB Women Good"

According to his own statements, he is not a coach who necessarily sticks to a winning starting lineup. Regarding the Scotland match, he spoke of "nuanced decisions." It could quickly go in the other direction. "Everyone who is here has done an excellent job," emphasized the Salzburg native. Since the victory, "regeneration and focus on the basics" have been the priority. The mood is excellent. "It was important to start the new era with a success. That did us good," reported Feiersinger.

Quite different from the 0:4 in Hanover on July 16, 2024, at the end of the EM qualifying group stage. Previously, the Austrians had come close to a point in Linz on April 5 with a 2:3, also due to a 2:0 lead. "We showed that if we have a really good day, we can also challenge them," said Puntigam. According to Lilli Purtscheller, they have "unfinished business" from the game in Linz.

There is a parallel on the coaching bench. For Christian Wück, the Nations League opener was also his first competitive match as head coach. The 51-year-old has been in office since August 2024. For the Germans, the Nations League serves as preparation for the EM in the summer in Switzerland, where Austria is only a spectator. There is always tension in the neighborhood duel. The 18th-ranked team will not be taken lightly for this reason. "The Austrians will definitely give 200 percent," said Elisa Senß, club colleague of the injured Barbara Dunst at Frankfurt.

(APA/Red)

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