Krahn: The Algarve Cup is like a small World Cup. We have different opposition and the manager is able to learn a bit more about the other teams.
DFB.de: How does the tournament help you to prepare for the World Cup?
Krahn: We only have a small amount of time to prepare so it’s even more important that we’re here. We know as players that there aren’t many more opportunities for us compared to the last few years.
DFB.de: What are your thoughts on Sweden, China and Brazil?
Krahn: Games against Sweden are always classics and we are always excited about them, even if Sweden see it differently because we have won a lot of important games against them. However, they were all tight games. We don’t know much about China but I think they’ll be strong as they’ve been preparing intensely for the World Cup. We’ve had a lot of interesting games against Brazil and I’m interested to see how they’ll do at the Algarve Cup and whether they will show their true colours.
DFB.de: Are you sensing the anticipation ahead of the World Cup?
Krahn: The World Cup is our biggest goal that we’re working towards. I’m looking forward to it a lot in every respect.
DFB.de: You made your 100th appearance at the Algarve Cup last year and Celia Sasic will do the same on Wednesday against Sweden. What are your thoughts on that?
On Wednesday (17:00 CET), the Women’s national team begin their Algarve Cup campaign with a game against Sweden. The tournament is an important part of their preparations for the World Cup, which will take place between 6th June and 5th July in Canada. The DFB-Women will play against China on Friday (14:00 CET) and Brazil on Monday (18:30 CET). The ranking games will take place on Wednesday. Annike Krahn spoke to DFB.de about the importance of the tournament, the anticipation ahead of the World Cup and a special upcoming game.
DFB.de: Mrs Krahn, how many times have you played in the Algarve Cup?
Annike Krahn: Mmh, eight times.
DFB.de: How has this tournament developed?
Krahn: It began with Scandinavian teams, the USA and Asian teams. But it soon became an important tournament for the top teams to develop and it’s even more attractive this year. I spoke to my French teammates and we debated as to when France last took part in Algarve and it was a few years go. Brazil and Switzerland are also taking part alongside France which means that there are three strong groups. It’s increased the level of the tournament.
DFB.de: What importance does the Algarve Cup have?
Krahn: For us it’s a good chance to see where we are at against strong opposition. We are able to train in the best conditions here, the weather is great most of the time, the pitches are good and you play games at a high level. It’s the best type of preparation.
DFB.de: What is the strength of this tournament?
Krahn: The Algarve Cup is like a small World Cup. We have different opposition and the manager is able to learn a bit more about the other teams.
DFB.de: How does the tournament help you to prepare for the World Cup?
Krahn: We only have a small amount of time to prepare so it’s even more important that we’re here. We know as players that there aren’t many more opportunities for us compared to the last few years.
DFB.de: What are your thoughts on Sweden, China and Brazil?
Krahn: Games against Sweden are always classics and we are always excited about them, even if Sweden see it differently because we have won a lot of important games against them. However, they were all tight games. We don’t know much about China but I think they’ll be strong as they’ve been preparing intensely for the World Cup. We’ve had a lot of interesting games against Brazil and I’m interested to see how they’ll do at the Algarve Cup and whether they will show their true colours.
DFB.de: Are you sensing the anticipation ahead of the World Cup?
Krahn: The World Cup is our biggest goal that we’re working towards. I’m looking forward to it a lot in every respect.
DFB.de: You made your 100th appearance at the Algarve Cup last year and Celia Sasic will do the same on Wednesday against Sweden. What are your thoughts on that?
Krahn: I’m happy that another player of my generation has reached 100 caps. Celia played her first game with Melanie Behringer and I and she was very young at the time. She’s been troubled by injuries since but has been a huge part of the team. Nevertheless, she’s got through it and is one of the most important members of the side. Respect!
