Germany, world champions in 2003 and 2007, open this year's Women's World Cup against Morocco in Melbourne, Australia, on July 24. Germany will also face Colombia and South Korea in Group H.
Hegering (number 5) is an important player in the German women's team's defense.
Hegering is a rock in Germany's defence but is struggling with an ankle injury, while Dynamo centre-back Oberdorf has a thigh strain. Germany women's coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg is also unhappy that she will likely be without her key defenders for the opening game.
Hegering and Oberdorf, who both played for Wolfsburg in the Champions League final, were key members of the Germany women's team that lost to England in the EURO 2022 final at Wembley. They are likely to be replaced by Sjoeke Nuesken and Melanie Leupolz against Morocco, who are making their first appearance at the Women's World Cup.
Defender Oberdorf (6) is also injured.
Germany lost 3-2 at home to Zambia in a warm-up friendly two weeks ago, a shock defeat that defender Kathrin Hendrich described as a wake-up call for a team aiming for a third World Cup.
Despite having Hegering and Oberdorf sit out the first game, coach Voss-Tecklenburg believes Germany can aim to win the Women's World Cup this year. "We are on schedule and no longer have any problems. We want to compete for the title and the team is very determined."
Source link
Comment (0)