Korea vs Germany: Germany seek to recover from shock loss
Germany will be looking to recover from a shock loss and secure a spot in the round of 16 when they face Korea on Thursday. Die DFB-Frauen, who are ranked second in the world, were beaten 2-1 by Colombia on matchday two. That marked the first time Germany had lost a group stage World Cup match since 1995, when they lost a five goal thriller to Sweden (3-2). Now, having seen their record-setting 20 game unbeaten streak snapped, the second-most-successful side in Women’s World C will aim to avoid what would be an even bigger shock – an early exit – and re-assert themselves against struggling Korea.
Pressure growing on Martina Voss-Tecklenburg?
Coming into this competition, Germany did not appear to be the formidable side many have become accustomed to. Martina Voss-Tecklenburg’s team had a rocky 2023, with wins in just two of their five pre-tournament friendlies, and neither were by wide margins, including a tough 2-1 win over debutants Vietnam. In addition, they lost to Zambia, another team making their debut, while drawing Brazil and losing to Sweden. As such, despite their lofty ranking, and despite having finished as runners-up at the Women’s EURO last summer, there were concerns in some quarters about this team’s ability to really make a serious push for the title.
Germany did shut down some of those critics with a resounding 6-0 thrashing of debutants Morocco, but that all came undone as they struggled against Colombia and were ultimately undone by a late goal. With Colombia having beaten Germany and South Korea, it’s the South Americans who are in pole position to qualify, while Morocco are still in the running following their hard-fought win against the Koreans.
Fortunately for Germany, they do hold a huge advantage over Morocco thanks to their 6-0 mauling of their opponents on matchday one. Should Morocco also beat Colombia, and Germany beat Korea, Germany would progress thanks to their superior head to head advantage. Even if they did lose to Korea, they’d need to do so by five goals or more – something that is pretty impossible to imagine given how Korea have struggled to find the back of the net so far at this summer’s event.
Korea will be hoping to at least leave with something in hand
Meanwhile, Korea, who sit bottom of the group made history with youngster Casey Phair becoming the youngest ever player to feature at a Women’s World Cup. Unfortunately for Colin Bell’s side, the promising teenager and her teammates were unable really to make any inroads against Colombia as they were beaten 2-0. Against Morocco, Korea did dominate possession but failed to make that count, and their inefficiency in front of goal cost them dearly as Morocco grabbed an early goal and successfully defended their narrow lead to clinch a vital win.
With elimination all but guaranteed, Korea will really have nothing but pride to play for on Thursday. Having lost their last six World Cup matches since beating Spain in 2015, the Asian nation will be at least hoping to leave with something in hand, but will have to make do without key player Lim Seon-joo, who missed out against Morocco due to an injury.
Germany, meanwhile, will also be missing a few players as well, with both Sara Doorsoun-Khajeh and Felicitas Rauch anticipated to sit this one out due to injury. Nonetheless, barring an absolute disaster, Germany are expected to be able to do enough to recover from their matchday two setback and secure their spot in the next round, likely as Group H’s runners-up.
