Will the DFB team win the European Championship? “The quality in the squad is definitely there,” explains footballer Svenja Huth in an interview.
“With the start of the European Championship and the fans behind them, Germany has become the real favorite for the final,” said a delighted soccer player Svenja Huth (33) on the sidelines of an Amazon Ring press event. Huth announced her retirement from the women’s national team in mid-March – after 88 international matches and 14 goals for Germany as well as successfully qualifying for the upcoming Olympic soccer tournament in Paris.
Before the exciting match between Austria and the Netherlands, she and referee Harm Osmers (39) discussed the topic of video evidence, which has already been used several times during the tournament. “I believe that VAR is justified, but there is still room for improvement in terms of transparency,” said the 33-year-old.
The referees at the European Championships seem to be more confident in using the VAR (Video Assistant Referee) than in the Bundesliga. Why do you think this is?
Svenja Huth: To be honest, I haven’t really noticed it yet. (laughs) I think that the VAR is justified, but there is still room for improvement in terms of transparency. I think a few rule changes at the European Championships, for example that only captains can speak to the referee, are a good step in the right direction – that might also help the referee when working with the VAR.
What additional scenes do you think should be reviewed by the video referee, for example yellow cards or corners?
Huth: At Ring’s event on video evidence in football and at home, Bundesliga referee Harm Osmers also explained the VAR again. He said that the VAR should intervene in exactly four situations. If we were to add yellow cards or corners to that, it would have a negative impact on the flow of the game. Football is and will always be a sport of mistakes – whether by referees, footballers or coaches. And in my opinion, that’s what it thrives on.
Could you imagine pursuing a second career as a referee after your active time as a footballer?
Huth: I have great respect for all referees and I think it is important that young talent is supported. But I don’t think I will be back on the pitch after my active career. And that includes the job of referee.
At the moment, the big teams like France, Spain, Portugal and Germany are dominating the European Championship. Was this a surprise for you or was it to be expected?
Huth: The last few years have not been easy for Germany and even though we were able to ignite the fire for the national team a little in the last few games, the men’s game was not yet perfect. But we see what a European Championship can trigger. France, Spain and Portugal were to be expected and I am pleased that teams like Austria have played a great preliminary round so far.
The German team is in the round of 16 after good performances. Do they have what it takes to win the tournament?
Huth: The quality in the squad is definitely there to compete for the title. With the start of the European Championship and the fans behind them, Germany has become the real favorite for the final.
Which German player has impressed you the most so far?
Huth: It’s difficult to pick out one player. Musiala and Wirtz are doing very well, Füllkrug is extremely strong from the bench. We don’t need to talk about Toni Kroos. But I’m also happy for Ilkay Gündogan that his performance has earned him the recognition he has long deserved.
How will you follow the European Championship? At home on the sofa, live in the stadium or at a public viewing?
Huth: It’s a healthy mix of everything. I was able to attend our game against Hungary in Stuttgart last week. A great experience!
Some female footballers are working as experts at the men’s European Championship. How do you rate their comments?
Huth: I think it’s good that we have experts on board and of course I know most of them very well. They’re all doing a great job.
You retired from the national team at the beginning of the year. Does looking at the DFB men’s team bring back nostalgic thoughts?
Huth: Of course, I really enjoy thinking back to my long time at the DFB. I was able to gain an incredible amount of experience and mature as a player and a person. I am grateful for that. Now I am rooting for all the national teams as a fan, of course, and I am looking forward to everything that awaits me in the future.
Source: Stern

I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.