It was a single gesture, intended just for her, and she knew immediately. When Alexandra Popp opened the scoring with her headed goal in the final group match of the Algarve Cup against Brazil, she clenched her fists and brought them together in front of her body – a clear signal to Luisa “Lulla” Wensing.
She was sitting watching the game at home in front of the TV, after suffering a broken leg on Friday, touched by the gesture of her best friend. “That is our own personal greeting and Lulle was very happy about it”, explained Alex Popp afterwards. “She’s getting better now, she can start to look forward now after her operation”
Third place playoff against Sweden
It was a strong performance from Silvia Neid’s team, beating Brazil 3-1 convincingly. As well as Popp, Celia Sasic and Dzsenifer Marozsan found the net for Germany to make a loud statement. The German women’s team put on a brilliant tactical performance against five times World Player of The Year winner Marta’s Brazil side. The technically experienced South American side impressed with their quick passing, but were unable to create much up front.
Alex Popp analysed “We upped the antes compared with the game against China. In defence we were solid; the Brazilians had hardly any chances. In addition to that, we created lots of chances because they gave us a lot of space. It was just the final pass that was missing at times.” Now the team turns its focus towards the third place playoff on Wednesday against Sweden in Parchal.
It’s another chance to face the team that beat them 4-2 in the opening match of the Algarve Cup. After an electric start and an early 2-0 lead, Germany threw it away with a shaky second half performance. Self critical of herself as a result, Alex Popp sees the second meeting with Sweden in such a short space of time, as a welcomed opportunity to put the last game behind them. “We didn’t play well in the opening game and we’re determined to put that right tomorrow. We want to win this game, without a doubt”
It was a single gesture, intended just for her, and she knew immediately. When Alexandra Popp opened the scoring with her headed goal in the final group match of the Algarve Cup against Brazil, she clenched her fists and brought them together in front of her body – a clear signal to Luisa “Lulla” Wensing.
She was sitting watching the game at home in front of the TV, after suffering a broken leg on Friday, touched by the gesture of her best friend. “That is our own personal greeting and Lulle was very happy about it”, explained Alex Popp afterwards. “She’s getting better now, she can start to look forward now after her operation”
Third place playoff against Sweden
It was a strong performance from Silvia Neid’s team, beating Brazil 3-1 convincingly. As well as Popp, Celia Sasic and Dzsenifer Marozsan found the net for Germany to make a loud statement. The German women’s team put on a brilliant tactical performance against five times World Player of The Year winner Marta’s Brazil side. The technically experienced South American side impressed with their quick passing, but were unable to create much up front.
Alex Popp analysed “We upped the antes compared with the game against China. In defence we were solid; the Brazilians had hardly any chances. In addition to that, we created lots of chances because they gave us a lot of space. It was just the final pass that was missing at times.” Now the team turns its focus towards the third place playoff on Wednesday against Sweden in Parchal.
It’s another chance to face the team that beat them 4-2 in the opening match of the Algarve Cup. After an electric start and an early 2-0 lead, Germany threw it away with a shaky second half performance. Self critical of herself as a result, Alex Popp sees the second meeting with Sweden in such a short space of time, as a welcomed opportunity to put the last game behind them. “We didn’t play well in the opening game and we’re determined to put that right tomorrow. We want to win this game, without a doubt”
