For Almuth Schult, the successful European Football Championship is not going as hoped. Instead of playing, the goalkeeper has to deal with the role of reserve player. After the birth of her twins in spring 2020, she is only the second choice. Now there will be redemption for them in the World Cup qualifier.
Almuth Schult is 1165 days after her last international match before the long-awaited comeback in the goal of the national team. The 31-year-old will be back in the DFB jersey for the first time since the 2019 World Cup and the birth of her twins in spring 2020 in the World Cup qualifier in Bulgaria on Tuesday (6:30 p.m. / ARD One and in the ntv.de live ticker).
“If she’s healthy, she’ll definitely play,” said national coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg after arriving in Plowdiv. After the vice European champions already secured their World Cup ticket for 2023 with the 3-0 (0-0) win in Turkey on Saturday, the rotation in Schult’s case is clearly to be understood as a reward.
Because at the European Championships in England, the former number one was only left as a reserve player behind the strong Merle Frohms, who is also her successor at VfL Wolfsburg. After shoulder surgery and a baby break, injuries or Corona had repeatedly prevented an international match – so the charismatic TV expert could not dispute Frohms’ regular place.
“Of course, the EM wasn’t what she imagined. But she always gives us added value in all areas, as a personality, as a team player,” praised the national coach. Midfielder Sara Däbritz also confirmed: “She is extremely important for the team, even off the pitch. It will be a special moment for her and we are all happy for her.”
Schult flew in from the USA for the final mandatory exercises on the way to the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand (July 20 to August 20, 2023). She has been under contract with Angel City FC since the European Championship, but has so far only been on the bank for the new professional team from Los Angeles, which was founded by Hollywood star Natalie Portman.
“All the more we want to give Almuth the support she deserves and that also lives up to her importance,” said Voss-Tecklenburg, but admitted: “It won’t be the game in which she gets a lot to do. We will I’m sure we’ll find other opportunities in the coming year.”
Before the dream of the future, however, the national coach was acutely concerned about the space available in Plovdiv before the final training session. “We have to see what the framework allows and how we can play football under the conditions,” said the 54-year-old. The lawn is battered to say the least, more like the condition of a not particularly well maintained garden.
Nevertheless, against the pointless bottom of Group H, the ninth win in tenth qualifying game. “We will prepare 100 percent, that should be the goal,” assured Däbritz, “but maybe we have to adjust our playing style a bit with more contacts.”
