In Canada’s oil capital, the Germany team are fuelled by their bitter semifinal loss, as they look to bounce back in their third-place play off against England on Saturday. “We have to keep our heads up. Third place is still on the line and we want to go for it,” said left back Tabea Kemme before departing on a four-hour flight from Montreal to Edmonton. “We want to win a medal.”
The flight and the new surroundings helped the team get over the painful 2-0 loss against USA. Even Annike Krahn, who would have loved to have celebrated her 30th birthday in Vancouver, the city of the final, was cheered up when goalkeeping coach Michael Fuchs gave a speech as she celebrated with a chocolate cake.
The centre back was one of the first ones to give her opinion on the "Losers Final". “Throughout the tournament, England have shown that they are a great team. They were very unlucky against Japan as they lost to the previous World Cup winners in injury time,” said Krahn after the Lionesses 2-1 defeat against Japan. “Despite losing they will still be confident against us.
Standing together despite disappointment
The team were smiling again as they went for a walk around the Westin Hotel in Downtown Edmonton. Even Celia Sasic, who is currently the leading goal scorer at the tournament and who blames herself for not scoring her penalty against USA, had a smile on her face. “We told her that we all take the blame as a team and we are all disappointed,” said Melanie Leupolz. She concluded by saying: “USA played a great game and we didn’t, that’s why they are in the final and we aren’t.”
Just like in Germany’s game the day before tears were also shed in England’s match. A 92nd minute Laura Bassett own goal set up a rematch of the 2011 final. “Football can be brutal at times. But now we must stick together for the game against Germany,” said England captain Steph Houghton.
Successful record against England
Coach Mark Sampson was proud of his team as they defeated both Norway and hosts Canada. He hopes that his team can do the same against Germany. “I am so proud of my team. We came into the match as obvious underdogs. The players inspired a nation and will return home as heroes.” Their record against Germany is not the greatest, however. In 20 matches, England have lost 18 and drawn two.
In Canada’s oil capital, the Germany team are fuelled by their bitter semifinal loss, as they look to bounce back in their third-place play off against England on Saturday. “We have to keep our heads up. Third place is still on the line and we want to go for it,” said left back Tabea Kemme before departing on a four-hour flight from Montreal to Edmonton. “We want to win a medal.”
The flight and the new surroundings helped the team get over the painful 2-0 loss against USA. Even Annike Krahn, who would have loved to have celebrated her 30th birthday in Vancouver, the city of the final, was cheered up when goalkeeping coach Michael Fuchs gave a speech as she celebrated with a chocolate cake.
The centre back was one of the first ones to give her opinion on the "Losers Final". “Throughout the tournament, England have shown that they are a great team. They were very unlucky against Japan as they lost to the previous World Cup winners in injury time,” said Krahn after the Lionesses 2-1 defeat against Japan. “Despite losing they will still be confident against us.
Standing together despite disappointment
The team were smiling again as they went for a walk around the Westin Hotel in Downtown Edmonton. Even Celia Sasic, who is currently the leading goal scorer at the tournament and who blames herself for not scoring her penalty against USA, had a smile on her face. “We told her that we all take the blame as a team and we are all disappointed,” said Melanie Leupolz. She concluded by saying: “USA played a great game and we didn’t, that’s why they are in the final and we aren’t.”
Just like in Germany’s game the day before tears were also shed in England’s match. A 92nd minute Laura Bassett own goal set up a rematch of the 2011 final. “Football can be brutal at times. But now we must stick together for the game against Germany,” said England captain Steph Houghton.
Successful record against England
Coach Mark Sampson was proud of his team as they defeated both Norway and hosts Canada. He hopes that his team can do the same against Germany. “I am so proud of my team. We came into the match as obvious underdogs. The players inspired a nation and will return home as heroes.” Their record against Germany is not the greatest, however. In 20 matches, England have lost 18 and drawn two.
