Germany face a must-win quarter-final against France on Saturday after a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Sweden left their Euro 2025 hopes hanging by a thread. The German media has been scathing, with headlines calling the team “historically lousy” and “light years away from the world top”. Manager Christian Wück is under mounting pressure after his side’s heaviest ever European Championship loss.
The defeat exposed long-standing defensive frailties, particularly in wide areas where France excel. Delphine Cascarino and Sandy Baltimore are in fine form, and Germany’s problems are compounded by injuries and suspensions. Captain Giulia Gwinn is out with a knee injury, and her replacement Carlotta Wamser is suspended, leaving Wück to reshuffle his backline.
Despite a strong attacking style since taking over after Paris 2024, Germany have struggled to click in attack. The pace of Jule Brand and Klara Bühl, plus Lea Schüller’s finishing, will test France’s young central defence, but the team’s inability to defend set pieces and counter-attacks remains a major concern.
Wück’s handling of experienced defenders has also drawn criticism. Felicitas Rauch was dropped via social media, and Sara Doorsun retired after being told she was only on the waiting list. The manager insists he will not change his attacking philosophy, but with France waiting, a repeat of the Sweden performance would spell the end of Germany’s tournament.
