Bayer 04 Women international round-up: Wamser against Wenger and a comeback

Group A4 of Europe’s World Cup qualifiers featured two direct clashes between Werkself players. Carlotta Wamser and Germany ran out comfortable 5-1 winners over Claudia Wenger’s Austria in Nuremberg. Things were far tighter in the reverse fixture four days later as the teams played out a goalless draw in Ried. Centre-back Wenger played the full 90 minutes in both matches. Wamser came on as a substitute for injured captain Giulia Gwinn after 33 minutes in the first game and set up Lea Schüller’s goal to make it 5-1. The 22-year-old then played the entire match at right-back in Austria. Despite the surprise slip, Germany continue to lead the group with 10 points from four matches, whilst Austria remain in fourth and last place with one point. The 2027 World Cup finals in Brazil will take place from 24 June to 25 July next year.

Kramer returns to Denmark action

Cornelia Kramer, who had missed the last set of internationals due to injury, was back in Denmark’s squad. Having watched the 2-1 victory in Sweden from the bench, she came on as a substitute in stoppage time of the 0-0 draw against Italy in Copenhagen. With eight points from their first four matches, the Danes sit top of Group A1 and are well on course for the World Cup.

Two wins for five U23s

For five Leverkusen players, the second edition of the U23 European Competition came to an end in Murcia, Spain. In the first of two placement matches, Michael Urbansky’s Germany side beat Belgium 2–1. Loreen Bender (substituted in the 87th minute), Katharina Piljic, and Sofie Zdebel (substituted in the 73rd minute) were in the starting line-up, while Estrella Merino Gonzalez came on as a substitute after 73 minutes. In the final match for fifth place against Italy, Selina Ostermeier started alongside the quartet as Germany won 1-0. The U23s have a double-header of matches against Denmark coming up on 4 and 8 June; the venues and kick-off times are yet to be confirmed.

Home game against Freiburg

Now back in Leverkusen, the players are preparing to resume Bundesliga action at home to Freiburg on Sunday, 26 April, some 27 days since they last played. Kick-off at the Ulrich-Haberland-Stadion is at 16:00 CEST.