USWNT vs. Germany Friendly Matches Preview

The United States and Germany, the two most successful international women’s soccer programs in the world, will go toe-to-toe in two friendlies ahead of the World Cup. The Americans have an all-time record of 22-4-7 against Germany, which does bode well for these upcoming friendlies. However, based on recent results from both teams, Germany comes in with the better form. The Germans just defeated France 2-1, whereas the United States is coming off a surprising loss to Spain. Let’s take a closer look at the rosters and how this friendly might play out in the USWNT vs. Germany friendly.

USWNT vs. Germany, November 10, 7:00 PM ET/4:00 PM PT, FS1

Let’s start with the Germans. Based on their roster, they aren’t going to be pulling any punches. 

The @DFB_Frauen squad for the upcoming games against the USA has been announced 🇺🇸

WIR #IMTEAM 🇩🇪 #USAGER pic.twitter.com/3z7fqxZNf1

— germanfootball_dfb (@DFB_Team_EN) November 1, 2022

Their attack is one of the best in the world, and the trio of Lena Oberdorf, Alexandra Popp, and Lina Magull is as good as anyone. The banged-up backline for the USWNT will have their hands full, to say the least. If you thought Spain played well, Germany is capable of doing even more in the attack. 

That said, it’s the perfect test for the USWNT ahead of the world cup. Looking at the U.S. roster, it’s mostly the same team that was available for the Spain friendlies. All the players who are hurt have significant injuries. They were never going to be close to returning to the field. Nevertheless, this group is the one we got, and it’s still a very talented one.

See you soon in South Florida and NJ/NY!!!! 🇺🇸#USWNT x @BioSteelSports pic.twitter.com/j2IWGFNsU0

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) October 31, 2022

All seven defenders are key players in this matchup because we’ve seen all of them featured in the Starting XI for the USWNT in different matches. If Germany comes out in a 4-3-3, they are going to go right at this younger backline that could have Alana Cook, Emily Fox, Naomi Girma, or Hailie Mace in at any point. The vets like Huerta, Dunn, and Sauerbrunn will know what to expect and can help out, but the young stars better be ready because Germany is coming. 

In attack, we all know what to expect, whether it’s Alex Morgan, Sophia Smith, or Ashley Hatch up top. If they receive good service, they will take their chances. As long as the Great Horan, Kristie Mewis, and Rose Lavelle can get them the ball or feed Pugh or Rapinoe on the wing to get them in good positions, the USWNT should create enough chances to win the game.

Lena Oberdorf versus Lindsey Horan is the key matchup here overall. Horan is vital on both sides of the ball because she can create and do the dirty work. If Oberdorf can slow down Horan, the USWNT might have some trouble. 

Based on the USWNT’s last performance and the players that they are missing, it seems easy to pick against the United States to get a result against Germany. Yet, I’m not going to pick against our team this time. I’m not ready to write this group off. They understand the challenge ahead of them. They will perform after getting a little time off with the NWSL now over. A well-rested USWNT should pick up at least a draw against Germany, but I think they edge out a win. 

Prediction: USWNT win 2-1

Featured image via @uswnt on Instagram

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