Germany's Injury Issues Could Stop Them Winning Third World Cup in Canada

Like the German men’s side, Die Nationalelf wear stars above the DFB crest to symbolise their success at the FIFA Women’s World Cup. They start the tournament two stars behind their male counterparts, but the hope is they could add a third by going all the way in Canada this summer. However, issues in preparation and injuries to key players could be enough to cast doubt on their stature as potential winners.

Germany open the tournament against the Ivory Coast on Sunday in Ottawa. The African side will be making their World Cup debut, which throws up its own issues, but Silvia Neid’s team should find it relatively straightforward to advance through the group. The bigger tests will come as they tackle the knockout stages.

Before a ball is kicked, Germany have to deal with the absences of 2014 Ballon d’Or winner Nadine Kessler and Paris Saint-Germain’s Fatmire Alushi.

Kessler captained Wolfsburg to Champions League success in 2014 and has been a pillar of strength for both club and country—playing a huge part in helping Germany sweep through their UEFA qualification group. An ongoing knee injury ruled her out of the tournament and took away a huge piece of Neid’s plans.

Kosovo-born Alushi played in this year’s Champions League final as PSG lost 2-1 to Frankfurt. She finished the season with five goals in the French league and added another five for her country as they topped Group 7. She announced after the final that she would miss the tournament as she is expecting her first child.

Now, on the eve of the opening game, it has been reported that 23-year-old playmaker Dzsenifer Marozsan is a doubt for Sunday’s game:

"

Dzsenifer Marozsán is doubtful for the first match vs Ivory Coast. #GER #FIFAWWC

— Women's Football (@WoSoWorld) June 4, 2015"

Any part of German success this summer will be built on the vision, grace and extraordinary ability of the Frankfurt midfielder. They may have some of Europe’s best forwards, but they need her creative ability to punish the bigger sides.

The controversial decision to play this tournament on 4G artificial pitches could play a huge part. The surface is very unforgiving, and any niggling knocks or pulls can be exaggerated by the pressure it puts on the body. If Marozsan has a knock or a strain, it would be a huge risk to use her before she is 100 percent.

Another issue for the Germany squad has been the short preparation time. Seven of the squad played in the Champions League final on May 14, and less than two weeks passed prior to their friendly match with Switzerland before they flew out to Canada.

"This is the biggest challenge because of the preparation time we had," said Neid, reported by beIN Sport, the savvy coach who has been involved in Germany’s two World Cup successes and now hopes to lead her country all the way in 2015.

Michael Sohn/Associated Press

“We’ve pretty much come straight out of the season with no time to reflect on things and now we’re back at it again,” striker Celia Sasic told FIFA's website. “The match against Switzerland was the dress rehearsal for us—the green light, so to speak—and then things get going for real on Sunday. In any event, we’re all extremely excited about it.”

“It’s always important to take three points from the first game, because then you’re not in danger of being put under pressure and having to pick up points somehow later on. It’s always very important to feel that you’ve settled into the tournament and slowly play your way into a rhythm.”

With the help of goals from Sasic and team mates Anja Mittag and Alexandra Popp, the Germans will hope that they can banish any issues with preparation or injuries. Germany will have more than enough to qualify from Group B—then the real test will begin.

There is no doubt that the 2013 European Champions are one of the hot favourites this summer, and even if they are not at 100 percent, they could still have enough to add that third star—but the pressure is on.