Germany versus Sweden is an intense rivalry in women’s football, with the next fixture between these two nations taking place this Saturday in Ottawa, and a spot in quarterfinal up for grabs. Saskia Bartusiak has been playing for the DFB women’s team since 2007 and was on the pitch when Germany beat Sweden in the European Championship semifinals in 2013. In an interview with DFB.de the 32-year-old spoke to Paula Widmer about the team’s reaction when they were drawn against Sweden.
DFB.de: After your match on Monday, you didn't know who you would be playing in the next round. You had to wait until Wednesday evening to found out that you would playing Sweden. What was going through your mind in the days before?
Saskia Bartusiak: Obviously you are both nervous and excited to find out who your opponent will be in the next round. We were together as a team, following it all as the final matches finished up.
DFB.de: How did the team react?
Bartusiak: We had an idea who we might face, but it was already looking more than likely that we would face Sweden. We were excited once it was confirmed. Now we can start to prepare properly.
DFB.de: Sweden is not an unknown opponent. How would you assess their team?
Bartusiak: Throughout the years the Swedish team have proven that they are one of the best teams in women’s football. They have a very experienced team with a lot of quality. Sweden have very good individual players, but also great team chemistry.
DFB.de: At the 2013 European Championship in Sweden, you played against the hosts. What do you remember from that match?
Germany versus Sweden is an intense rivalry in women’s football, with the next fixture between these two nations taking place this Saturday in Ottawa, and a spot in quarterfinal up for grabs. Saskia Bartusiak has been playing for the DFB women’s team since 2007 and was on the pitch when Germany beat Sweden in the European Championship semifinals in 2013. In an interview with DFB.de the 32-year-old spoke to Paula Widmer about the team’s reaction when they were drawn against Sweden.
DFB.de: After your match on Monday, you didn't know who you would be playing in the next round. You had to wait until Wednesday evening to found out that you would playing Sweden. What was going through your mind in the days before?
Saskia Bartusiak: Obviously you are both nervous and excited to find out who your opponent will be in the next round. We were together as a team, following it all as the final matches finished up.
DFB.de: How did the team react?
Bartusiak: We had an idea who we might face, but it was already looking more than likely that we would face Sweden. We were excited once it was confirmed. Now we can start to prepare properly.
DFB.de: Sweden is not an unknown opponent. How would you assess their team?
Bartusiak: Throughout the years the Swedish team have proven that they are one of the best teams in women’s football. They have a very experienced team with a lot of quality. Sweden have very good individual players, but also great team chemistry.
DFB.de: At the 2013 European Championship in Sweden, you played against the hosts. What do you remember from that match?
Bartusiak: Of course all my memories from that semifinal are good because we beat them. The fact that the European Championship was in Sweden and we were able to play against the hosts was a great experience. The stadium was sold out. Everyone was against us, but that inspired us. The game was very end-to-end, with both teams having chances. We went on to win the match 1-0, taking us into the final and we ended up winning the title. I only have good memories.
DFB.de: What challenges do you expect on Saturday?
Bartusiak: I think it is going to be a hard game, similar to the 2013 semifinal. That tends to be the case when we play Sweden; it's a 50-50 match. It will depend on who is on better form on the day. Most importantly, it will depend on who wants it the most. The team who can best demonstrate that will win the match.
DFB.de: Despite a 4-0 win over Thailand, the team was not happy with their performance. What do you want to improve on?
Bartusiak: We sat down after the group stage, just like we did in other recent major tournaments. It also shows that we are self-critical. We have to give 100 percent throughout the full 90 minutes, be fully committed on the pitch and make our opponents play to our strengths. Additionally, we have to finish the chances that come to us. In any case, we are very excited for the match.
