“A huge compliment to Austria. This team demanded everything from us.” Relief was written all over the face of the German national soccer coach after the 2-0 win in the EURO quarter-finals. A defeat by the eight-time European champion, two-time world champion and Olympic champion against number 21 in the FIFA rankings would have caused a tremendous rush in the newspapers in the neighboring country, and the pressure was correspondingly great. “The Austrians can fight to the end, we were also a bit lucky,” admitted Lina Magull, the scorer of the 1-0 (25th). This was also confirmed by DFB captain Alexandra Popp, who made everything clear after a mistake by ÖFB goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger in the 90th minute.
Apparently the law of the series wanted it that way, the center forward has scored in each of the four EURO matches. “I think we deserved our progress. The Austrians had strong phases,” said Popp. For her and her teammates, the journey continues on Wednesday in Milton Keynes against France or the defending champions, the Netherlands.
Austria’s team boss Irene Fuhrmann would also have liked to compete in the “drawing board city”, there wasn’t much missing. “I take my hat off to my team. We challenged Germany more than that. We’re proud of that and we want to take that with us,” said the 41-year-old: “I’m very confident that the women’s national team has a bright future.”
Five years ago in the Netherlands, the red-white-red team made it into the EURO semi-finals with an outstanding defensive performance. On the contrary. “We were in the top six at this European Championship. That’s the biggest step compared to 2017. The players excited and inspired a lot of people – also on the European stage,” said Fuhrmann with shining eyes. The hymns of praise from the German side confirm this.
“That must give us courage”
Captain Viktoria Schnaderbeck, who missed the knockout duel due to a knee injury, seamlessly followed the words of appreciation. “It makes me very grateful how everyone involved in this project. The way we played simply has to give us courage,” emphasized the 31-year-old, who, despite numerous injuries, is not wasting any thoughts on the end of her career. “The 2023 World Cup drives me.” And not just them.
It’s about continuous development. “Not only the ÖFB, but every state association has to spit in their hands and step on the gas,” said Fuhrmann. “We need to get more girls into football.” (Alex)
Source: Nachrichten
