DFB Cup: mouthpiece Popp and the next big final

Even in these turbulent days, Alexandra Popp is very happy with her beloved Patch. “Finally 5, let’s see if you get even calmer,” writes the DFB captain on social media for her dog’s birthday. The EM star could use some distraction at the moment.

Your VfL Wolfsburg is the favorite but battered in the DFB Cup final on Thursday (4.45 p.m. / ARD and Sky) against SC Freiburg. So the currently most popular German soccer player has to lead the way again if it’s going to be something with the ninth cup win in a row.

With the surprising 0: 4 on Sunday at Eintracht Frankfurt, the Wolfsburg women have practically lost the German championship, FC Bayern Munich can already clear the title at Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday. A bitter mood dampener for the VfL players before the very important finals in Cologne and especially in the Champions League on June 3 in Eindhoven against FC Barcelona.

Great trainer praise

So not only Tommy Stroot is in great demand, but also someone like Popp. “A guy who has the will to overcome resistance in everything she radiates. We are glad that we have Poppi in this condition,” said the trainer and pointed out again these days that the 32-year-old is a had a very long injury break before their successful EM 2022 in England. “She has again achieved a quality that was not foreseeable for a long time. And then keeping it that way makes me almost enthusiastic. She is an extremely important leader for us. She ensures that we keep pushing our limits. “

Recently, Popp was plagued by Achilles tendon problems, but she is fit again in time for the all-important season finale. Since the European Championship, the striker, who also plays in midfield like recently in Frankfurt, has hardly been able to save herself from interview requests and awards. For the “Kicker” she was – as the first woman – the “Personality of the Year”, for the DFB – of course – “National Player of the Year”. At the Lower Saxony state association there was now a “footballer of the year”, not a “footballer of the year” as before in her club colleague Maximilian Arnold.

“I experienced a lot with my team in 2022 and was able to inspire people. That’s why I can also stand for the team here. That makes me very, very proud,” said Popp at the award, probably meaning the German selection as well as their club. The 2016 Olympic champion and current European runner-up is always careful not to focus too much on herself. Indicative of this: When the Wolfsburg women celebrated reaching the final in the premier class at WFC Arsenal, Popp sat a little apart on the lawn and later commented on the picture: “So incredibly proud of my team.” To the TV camera she said bluntly, as is her way: “Damn axe, I can’t take it anymore!”

Top scorers list

In the last two Bundesliga match days, Popp was able to secure an award that Popp has never won before: she is the top scorer with 15 goals. But that would only be a side note in everything that distinguishes her: alongside the currently pregnant national goalkeeper and TV expert Almuth Schult, Popp has long been considered a mouthpiece when it comes to sports-political issues in women’s football.

In any case, the fans have a keen sense that Popp also stands for a term that is used far too often in professional business: down-to-earthness. “I think I’m still myself. That’s the important thing for me,” she said after her turbulent past year. “Perhaps I’m the face of women’s football a little bit at the moment. I’m happy to put us in the limelight like that. At the same time, I’d really appreciate it if other players were given the opportunity to show themselves too.”

But also at the World Cup from July 20th to August 20th in Australia and New Zealand, a lot of eyes will be on Popp, who was injured in the European Championship final. “She is our captain, an important key player,” said national coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg. “I think Alex still has a few plans.”