Lena Oberdorf says the absence of star winger Klara Buhl through Covid-19 will give Germany “extra motivation” to reach the final of Euro 2022 this evening.
Eight-time winners Germany take on France in Milton Keynes for the right to play England in Sunday’s sell-out final at Wembley.
Germany will be without Buhl, who was player of the match in their quarter-final victory over Austria, and it is the second time they have been hit by Covid during the tournament, with Bayern Munich forward Lea Schuller missing the crucial group stage clash with Spain after testing positive.
“It’s definitely extra motivation,” midfielder Oberdorf said. “Klara’s performances have been outstanding so it is a loss but we can compensate for it as a team.
“We have a strong squad and lots of wingers on the bench that have been able to bring in their qualities when they have been subbed on, so I’m not worried.”
Germany have had almost a week to prepare for tonight’s match after beating Austria last Thursday, while France did not qualify for their first Euros semi-final until Saturday night’s dramatic extra-time victory over the Netherlands.
“It can be an advantage, but can also be of benefit to stay in the [tournament] rhythm like France have,” Oberdorf added.
“We had one day completely off, we’ll find out if it was good for us. It will be a heavyweight clash, and I can’t wait.”
