By introducing an U23 team, the German Football Association wants to further accelerate the German women’s national team’s path back to the top of the world. The team will take part in a European round of matches this season. The first match is on October 24th in Germany against France, followed by a game in Italy four days later.
The U20 team will compete this season, and will then play as the U23 team under coach Kathrin Peter. Since the U20 World Cup is held every two years, the U23 round of matches should ensure that the women’s U-team can play in the periods between U20 World Cups – and in the event that the U20 team does not qualify for a World Cup final, it was said.
This means that the DFB will in future cover all relevant age groups in the female U-section from U15 to U23. This will ensure consistent support. The U23 is not an additional team.
Other opponents in the first season: Spain and Belgium
“Almost all of Europe’s top nations are taking part in the round of matches. It is important that we now take this step,” said DFB sports director Nia Künzer. “The U23 round of matches and the international comparisons with top teams are another building block towards our goal of permanently establishing ourselves among the world’s best again.”
Spain and Belgium are also in the German group. England, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal and Sweden will play in a second round. The round will conclude with the placement games in April next year, according to a statement from the DFB.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:240906-930-225510/1
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