Marta: It’s good for our entire team. Following the defeat at the Algarve Cup, we spoke to each other and we all agreed that we need to improve. That’s exactly what happening now – both with Brazil and my teammates in Sweden. It’s going to be an excellent test for us.
DFB.de: Looking ahead to the World Cup in Canada, what are your thoughts?
Mittag: There are going to be a maximum of seven games on artificial pitches in different time zones so you’ll need a little bit of luck on your side. Nevertheless, I think that we can prepare precisely for the tournament. I don’t want to talk about the possibility of winning the title. First of all, it would be nice to secure qualification for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. We need to be one of the top three European teams to achieve that, which will be a tricky challenge.
Marta: We’re always dreaming of winning a big tournament. The World Cup only takes place every four years so it’s once again the opportunity to come close to, and perhaps even fulfil, our dream. I have high expectations with regards to the fans and the organisation because this event could make history. I hope that we can all be proud of what’s being done for women’s football at the moment.
FC Rosengård teammates Anja Mittag and Marta are set to go head-to-head on Wednesday as Germany face Brazil. DFB.de caught up with both players to talk about each other’s qualities, their dreams and aims.
DFB.de: How would you describe each other?
Anja Mittag: Marta is a real team player and a real asset to the team. It’s fantastic to play with her and I believe that she’s often misjudged. Lots of people have a false impression of her and I wish that people would get to know Marta and realise that she’s a really pleasant and nice person.
Marta: She’s a great player and very important to the team because she always poses a goal threat. That’s a key quality to have to be able to play at this level. She scores goals and provides assists; she’s a real fighter and never gives up. I’m happy that we’re on the same team.
DFB.de: What are Marta’s strengths?
Mittag: She’s particularly strong in 1v1 situations and dribbling past players however, she works hard defensively too. She has a good eye for a pass and supports her teammates. She’s definitely amongst the best players in the world.
DFB.de: What are Anja Mittag’s strengths?
Marta: She’s always motivated, always wants to achieve more and is always trying to improve. She never gives up on the pitch. I think that those are her biggest strengths. I’d also add how focussed she is in every game.
DFB.de: If you could steal any qualities from each other, what would they be?
Mittag: Definitely her ability in 1v1 situations. It’s so cool how she can just leave players trailing in her wake. She also has a real fighting spirit that always drives her on.
Marta: Perhaps her calmness and composure. I think they‘re typical qualities for German players. She always remains calm during the game when making decisions or dictating play. I’d love to have an ounce of coolness and ability to cope with big games. I’m slowly learning from her how to relax a bit and handle everything.
DFB.de: What are your expectations for the game?
Mittag: I really hope that lots of fans come. Brazil are a very strong team, meaning that it’ll be a hard-fought and very balanced game.
Marta: It’s going to be a brilliant game, especially for us, because it’s always good to measure up against such strong teams like Germany. It’ll be really useful in helping us to prepare for the World Cup.
DFB.de: The two teams met at the beginning of March in the Algarve Cup. What do you make of the fixture and the chance to play against Brazil again?
Mittag: You can’t play against good opponents often enough. It’s going to be a real test ahead of the World Cup. Our aim is to win and develop further as a team.
Marta: It’s good for our entire team. Following the defeat at the Algarve Cup, we spoke to each other and we all agreed that we need to improve. That’s exactly what happening now – both with Brazil and my teammates in Sweden. It’s going to be an excellent test for us.
DFB.de: Looking ahead to the World Cup in Canada, what are your thoughts?
Mittag: There are going to be a maximum of seven games on artificial pitches in different time zones so you’ll need a little bit of luck on your side. Nevertheless, I think that we can prepare precisely for the tournament. I don’t want to talk about the possibility of winning the title. First of all, it would be nice to secure qualification for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. We need to be one of the top three European teams to achieve that, which will be a tricky challenge.
Marta: We’re always dreaming of winning a big tournament. The World Cup only takes place every four years so it’s once again the opportunity to come close to, and perhaps even fulfil, our dream. I have high expectations with regards to the fans and the organisation because this event could make history. I hope that we can all be proud of what’s being done for women’s football at the moment.
