(L-R) Germany’s Giulia Gwinn, Lea Schueller and Vivien Endemann celebrate after winning the UEFA Women’s Nations League soccer match between Germany and Austria at the Max-Morlock Stadium Daniel Löb/dpa
The German women recovered from an early blow to beat Austria 4-1 in their Nations League clash on Tuesday and hand coach Christian Wück his first competitive win and home success.
Austria’s Annabel Schasching, who plays in Germany for Freiburg, scored early on after a quick break in Nuremberg.
But creative fulcrum Laura Freigang hit back on 39 minutes after Germany had pumped a free-kick into the box.
Linda Dallmann had the hosts ahead 10 minutes into the second half and woeful Austrian defending led to Giovanna Hoffmann netting from the edge of the area for 3-1.
Fellow substitute Vivien Endemann, assisted by captain Giulia Gwinn, was then afforded too much time and fired in off the post for her first Germany goal on 82.
“I was not satisfied at all with the first half but neither were the team,” Wück told ZDF. “Our substitutions worked this time. I think that was the key.”
Freigang added: “We’ve been missing a home win. We also wanted to give the crowd something. I think we did that today – despite the rain.”
The win meant Germany went above Austria into top spot in Group A1 having opened the campaign with a 2-2 draw in the Netherlands on Friday. Austria had edged Scotland 1-0 in their first group game.
The Germans next go to Scotland on matchday three of six in April. The Nations League acts as a warm-up for Euro 2025 in Switzerland in July. Germany are record eight-times European champions.
Wück, who led Germany’s under-17 boys to Euro and World Cup glory in 2023, took over the women’s team after they finished third at the Paris Olympics last year.
His initial four friendly games in charge were mixed and he tinkered with his squad. He is yet to decide on a starting goalkeeper, with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Stina Johannes given the gloves in Tuesday’s victory.
Germany’s players celebrate their side’s third goal of the game during the UEFA Women’s Nations League soccer match between Germany and Austria at the Max-Morlock Stadium Daniel Löb/dpa
Germany’s Linda Dallmann (L) and Austria’s goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger battle for the ball during the UEFA Women’s Nations League soccer match between Germany and Austria at the Max-Morlock Stadium Daniel Löb/dpa
Germany’s Laura Freigang celebrates her side’s first goal of the game during the UEFA Women’s Nations League soccer match between Germany and Austria at the Max-Morlock Stadium Daniel Löb/dpa