Germany's women outplay Japan after early setback in Bremen

Rain drummed on the Weser Stadium in Bremen as the German women's team emerged from the tunnel, aware that the Asian champions had already found the net. Within minutes the visitors led, but the hosts rallied to claim a 2‑1 win, showcasing a collective spirit that thrilled the home crowd.

Early pressure and the equaliser

Momoko Tanikawa, the Bundesliga legionnaire, opened the scoring in the third minute, putting the unbeaten Japanese side under pressure for the first time in eight encounters. Germany responded swiftly; Jule Brand restored parity in the 11th minute, and two minutes later Linda Dallmann, the 28‑year‑old midfielder from Munich, struck the equaliser from close range.

Key contributors and tactical shifts

Klara Bühl, who entered the match in the 73rd minute, added the decisive goal, looping a powerful shot into the left‑hand corner after a swift combination with Franziska Kett. The German defence, marshalled by Camilla Küver and Sophie Kleinherne, weathered Japan’s wing play but struggled to contain Aoba Fujino’s early incursions.

Coach Christian Wück, who guided the side to a 4‑2 victory over Australia four days earlier, praised the team’s resilience. "We have seen that we are moving in the right direction," the 53‑year‑old said, while cautioning that "there is still much to do" before the summer World Cup.

Klara Bühl lets DFB women dream of World Cup glory in rain vs Japan

Players reflect on the performance

After the match, Dallmann told ARD, "We convinced as a complete team. It was important to fall behind and see how we reacted – it was wonderful to be on the pitch, with and without the ball, and it gave us a lot of joy." Captain Sjoeke Nüsken added, "We showed morale. It was simply a cool game."

The line‑up differed from the Australia fixture, with Marie Müller, Dallmann, Nicole Anyomi and Sophia Kleinherne starting instead of Janina Minge, Carlotta Wamser, Cora Zicai and Melissa Kössler. Substitutions in the second half saw Köster replace Anyomi and Minge come on for Küver, but the changes did not alter the overall dominance of the German side.

Japan’s early lead came from a well‑placed strike into the left upper corner, yet the visitors could not create another clear chance after the 1‑0 moment. The German midfield, anchored by the 32‑year‑old Bühl, remained omnipresent, generating several opportunities that kept the pressure on the Japanese defence.

Klara Bühl drives DFB women toward the top of World Cup qualifying

Overall, the DFB women displayed a balanced performance, combining defensive solidity with attacking flair. The win against the reigning Asian champions adds confidence ahead of the upcoming World Cup, reinforcing the belief that the squad can compete with the world’s best.