Power duo Bühl and Dallmann secure world test against Japan

At the Weserstadion in Bremen, the DFB‑women beat Japan 2:1 (1:1) thanks to a late strike from Klara Bühl. Christian Wück’s starting eleven, which had been adjusted four days earlier after the 4:2 win against Australia, showed fighting spirit. In front of 26,574 fans, Linda Dallmann equalised in the 28th minute, before Bühl scored the winning goal in the 73rd.

Decisive Moments of the Test

Japan’s lead came from Momoko Tanikawa of Bayern in the 15th minute, an early shot that caught the German defence. Dallmann responded promptly and restored the equaliser, while the German attack increasingly ran down the left side through Bühl. In the second half, Bühl increased the score after a quick combination that was initiated by Franziska Kett.

Wück’s Assessment and Outlook

Head coach Christian Wück described the Japanese women before the match as an “absolute top‑team in the world” and emphasised that they are among the strongest sides with the ball, alongside Spain. He added: “They will challenge us nicely in the work against the ball.” After the victory, the national team plans two more tests at the end of November, likely in South America, before the World Cup draw on 11 December in Rio de Janeiro.

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

In goal, Ena Mahmutovic was again between the sticks, as Ann‑Katrin Berger was rested. Further changes compared with the Australia match involved Janina Minge, Carlotta Wamser, Cora Zicai and Melissa Kössler, who were replaced by Marie Müller, Sophia Kleinherne, Dallmann and Nicole Anyomi. Despite rainy conditions, the intensity remained high, and the German team appeared considerably stronger after Japan’s early lead.

The win is seen as another exclamation point of the World Cup season and boosts the anticipation for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. The combination of individual quality and tactical flexibility of the power duo Bühl and Dallmann is considered the key for the upcoming challenges.