Germany announce themselves as one of Europe's best

With few competitive matches scheduled before next year's Euros, Germany's friendly victory over Norway in Wiesbaden demonstrates they are prepared to contend next summer.

Germany 3-1 Norway, Brita

Arena

(Freigang 8', Dallmann 17', Krumbiegel 62' — Reiten 4')

If Saturday’s thumping of

Australia was a lesson in how well Germany can respond to the unknown, Tuesday's win over Norway was an exercise in familiarity.

This was Germany's 42nd encounter with Norway, more than against any other nation. And though today's friendly lacked the stakes of some of those duels, which include the 1995 World Cup final and four European Championship finals, the performance from Martina VossTecklenburg's side marks them as clear contenders for next year's Euros.

"Though it is a long way away, the team is on a good path and is coming together well. I see us as among the tournament's favorites, especially if we can maximize our potential," said coach Voss-Tecklenburg after the game.

With no matches currently scheduled for the rest of the year, Germany's opportunities to perfect Voss-Tecklenburg's system are limited. Yet the past two victories prove that no matter who is on the pitch, Germany can execute her match plan in stunning fashion.

"We’ve developed well since the 2019 World Cup," captain Alexandra Popp told "ZDF" after the match. "We have grown together and gained confidence.

We’re going to keep pushing forward and our focus is already on the Euros."

Attacking spirit

"[Just like against Australia], we want to stay in control, play our game, and above all, push forward," said Voss-Tecklenburg before the match. Despite an early miscue from Leonie Maier helping Norway to take the lead,