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The moment when there was no holding back.
Alexandra Popp had just scored the 2-1 winner against France.
In a nerve-wracking European Championship semi-final
Martina Voss-Tecklenburg National Coach »We only won this game as a team effort. Because each was ready to push the other, to trust the other, to celebrate things in all directions. So it was a great team success today on all levels, from the small cog to the big wheel, everything was right today. And that's why we're deservedly in the final.«
Just before the break, France scored to make it 1-1.
The German team easily conceded the first goal of the tournament.
Martina Voss-Tecklenburg national coach »We were totally calm at half-time. We were totally clear because we said we'd play for the second goal. We want to continue in the same way, we want to keep challenging France. «
And that was achieved with will, passion and Alexandra Popp, who scored her tournament goals five and six.
Alexandra Popp national player
»A little speechless, to be honest, but incredibly proud.
What we put on the pitch was back with incredible energy.
Obsessed with defensive work that was downright brutal.
Going forward you have to say that the last pass or penultimate pass was not played optimally, but when we were in front of the goal it was always very dangerous.”
Martina Voss-Tecklenburg national coach »What was important then, was this energy, as Poppi described it. This defensive desire to have this nerve to fight the duels the way we fought them in order to annoy the opponent as well. I think that was a really big key.”
And that opened the door to the dream final against England.
Martina Voss-Tecklenburg National Coach »It's going to be a great football festival. It's a football classic: England versus Germany. What England have shown here in this tournament is of course brutally good. Played every game to the end. Full of dynamism. Scored many goals. They ooze self-confidence. They know what to do and what not to do. But the first thirty minutes against Sweden also showed that you can hurt them. That becomes our mandate to do that. We play at Wembley Stadium. I think in front of 90,000 people. Many who are for England and a few who are for us. But we fully accept that.
No matter how it ends on Sunday: The German team has already impressed with their joy and their way of playing.
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