German women lose Bühl for semifinal matchup against France

Unfortunate news out of the German women’s national team training camp on Monday as it was revealed that attacker Klara Bühl had tested positive for COVID. 

The German women’s national football team heads into a tough semifinal encounter with France absent the attacker who earned “Player-of-the-Match” honors in their quarterfinal defeat of Austria. On Monday it was confirmed that FC Bayern München’s Klara Bühl had tested positive for COVID-19.

The DFB released a statement noting that the 21-year-old was asymptomatic and doing fine in isolation. The youngster herself issued a statement in which she proudly proclaimed she was feeling “positive despite testing positive.”

“My team will raise the roof off the stadium tomorrow evening,” Bühl’s statement reads, “and get everyone pumped will some fabulous football. I’m already looking forward to the game and will give it my all to in order to be able to stand once again on the pitch with the girls very soon!”

Insofar as Bühl’s replacement is concerned, there are no shortage of attacking options on Martina Voss-Tecklenburg’s roster. Recent goal-scorer Nicole Anyomi can take over on the left flank next to Alexandra Popp and Svenja Huth on the top attacking axis. So too can Tabea Waßmuth, Laura Freigang, Linda Dallman, or even the recently recovered-from-COVID Lea Schüller.

The DFB Bundestrainerin has astutely ensured that all 20 outfielders on her roster have logged minutes already in the competition. New VfL Wolfsburg signing Jule Brand probably serves as the most likely replacement. The 19-year-old has been subbed on in all four matches, often relieving Bühl directly on the left.

After winning six straight European titles during a 20-year-span between 1993 and 2003, the German women continue their quest to regain dominance on Wednesday in Milton Keynes. “Die Nationalelf” face a French program that has never progressed beyond the quarterfinals of a major tournament before.

Should the DFB Mädels succeed in besting France, a spot in the Final this coming Sunday at Wembley awaits. Voss-Tecklenburg’s side have thus far rampaged through the tournament, outscoring four opponents by a combined 11-0 scoreline.

Posted before the match begins