DFB women secure World Cup ticket: 2:0 against Norway in Cologne

The German women's national team secured their World Cup ticket with a 2:0 (2:0) win over Norway and sealed the group victory in qualification. In front of 33,425 spectators in Cologne, the team laid the foundation with two goals before the break: debutant Marie Müller scored in the 18th minute, Carlotta Wamser increased the lead in the 27th minute. In the second half, Germany came under pressure at times – goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger maintained the lead with several saves.

Lea Schüller said after the final whistle: “I’m absolutely delighted. We’re just happy and played a good game.”

Early efficiency sets the tone

Germany started dominantly, with a clear attitude against an initially cautious opponent. Notable: Sjoeke Nüsken led the team onto the field as captain for the first time – in a match where maximum control was required. The starting position was not ideal in terms of personnel: Giulia Gwinn was absent due to injury, Janina Minge was suspended. All the more important that Germany executed its routines cleanly in the first decisive moments – and took their chances ruthlessly.

The 1:0 was a textbook example of pace and precision: Wamser opened up space with a pass, Klara Bühl broke through on the wing, Linda Dallmann got the decisive touch in the middle – and Müller was in the right place behind her. For the debutant, it was a debut that was more than just statistical: she immediately brought presence, courage, and timing to the runs on the right side. That Müller publicly spoke as a child about wanting to play in the Bundesliga and national team someday now seems like a long line in retrospect – in Cologne, it became tangible in sporting terms.

For the 2:0, Germany remained true to its logic: quick dribbling, clear decision. Dallmann drove the ball through the Norwegian half, laid it off at the edge of the box for Wamser, who finished directly into the far corner. Wamser, who is used flexibly on the flanks at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, also delivered on the international stage: dynamic in her start, consistent in the final third, without losing sight of her defensive duties.

Before the break, however, there was a warning sign. Signe Gaupset scored what appeared to be the equalizer in the 42nd minute, but the goal did not count due to offside. There is no video assistant referee in World Cup qualification – decisions of this kind are therefore final and increase the pressure on concentration and coordination.

Berger as a stabilizing factor when the game turns

After the break, the picture changed. Norway got into dangerous areas more often, Germany's defensive stability from the opening phase was not consistently present. In this phase, Berger became the key figure. The goalkeeper, who had recovered from an abdominal injury just in time, made a save in first-half stoppage time against Lisa Naalsund – and after the break, among others, against Caroline Graham Hansen and Elisabeth Terland (54th minute). These sequences were more than just individual rescue acts: they prevented Norway from getting emotionally into the game with an early goal and forcing Germany into an open exchange of blows.

National coach Christian Wück responded in the 66th minute with attacking substitutions. After that, Germany managed better to keep the game away from their own penalty area.

Dallmann was unable to get a dangerous shot off after a solo run in the 73rd minute, Bühl tested Norway's goalkeeper Cecilie Fiskerstrand in the 81st minute with a powerful but too central shot. Overall, Germany controlled their lead in the closing stages – the victory seemed calm, also because Norway, despite phases of pressure, did not achieve a clear breakthrough.

Significance for qualification – and a calmer look towards Ljubljana

The success is also important because Germany had recently made qualification tighter with the 0:0 in Austria. With the home win, first place in the group is now secured; the World Cup trip to Brazil can be planned. For Norway, only the playoff route remains.

For Germany, the last international match before the summer break is on Tuesday at 6 p.m. in Ljubljana. The starting position will then be different: less pressure to calculate, more room to consolidate routines – and to take insights from this evening. Because the 2:0 showed both: how effectively Germany can steer games early in the desired direction – and how crucial it becomes in phases of pressure to secure stability through structure and a strong goalkeeper.