Germany have surprisingly been knocked out of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, but the journey continues for three VfL players.
The group stage of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand concluded with the final matches in Group H on Thursday. It ended in tears for the German national team, whose squad included 10 She-Wolves, as they suffered a shock elimination. While the tournament is over early for them, it continues for three VfL players in the Dutch and Swedish teams.
Germany in shock exit
After their 6-0 opening win with eight She-Wolves in the starting line-up, Germany are out of the tournament following a 2-1 defeat to Colombia and a 1-1 draw against South Korea. Having gone behind, Alexandra Popp equalised shortly before half-time. That wasn’t enough in the end, though, and instead Morocco and Colombia can look forward to the round of 16.
Netherlands finish ahead of USA
Netherlands claimed top spot in Group E, and VfL captain Dominique Janssen, who’s also a key player for her country, was at the heart of it. A 1-0 victory over Portugal, a 1-1 draw with USA and a 7-0 thrashing against Vietnam saw the Dutch through as group winners. New She-Wolf Caitlin Dijkstra, who will spend the forthcoming season on loan at FC Twente, got her first World Cup minutes in the last match, but VfL defender Lynn Wilms is still waiting for her first appearance at the World Cup. Netherlands face South Africa in the last 16 on Sunday 6 August.
Sweden comfortable group winners
Rebecka Blomqvist and Sweden also won their group thanks to victories over South Africa (2-1), Italy (5-0) and Argentina (2-0) in Group G. They now take on USA in the round of 16 on Sunday 6 August.
