It doesn’t matter whether you’re a seasoned pro or a spring chicken, the Germany's women footballers are slowly getting impatient for the start of the World Cup. “The worst part is those days in which you only wait and train and have no match. It’s the matches we’re buzzing for,” says striker Celia Sasic. For youngster Pauline Bremer it’s no different: “I’m excited for when it really gets going.” And it all begins on Sunday (22:00 CEST on ZDF ) against the Ivory Coast.
Midfielder Dzsenifer Marozsan, however, looks like she’ll have to be a spectator for that match. The technician at the heart of the midfield, who scored a brace in the team’s final warm-up match, a 3-1 victory over Switzerland, runs the risk of not being fit for the opening group game - she strained the ligaments in her left ankle during training on Wednesday. The team’s great white hope twisted the ankle of her standing leg whilst shooting.
And the Ivorian opposition? "I know them from the sticker book”
That is the first setback for the team which has been living in the Canadian capital since Sunday. In training they’ve always given it everything, as they put the finishing touches on tactics and plans, including dealing with the unusual artificial surface being used at this World Cup. Team director Doris Fitschen explains that they have been searching for the right balance between training and rest on this surface.
The German players, however, know little about their first opponents. “I know them from the sticker book,” says a laughing Sasic. Even the team’s manager Silvia Neid had bemoaned the lack of video material available on the World Cup debutants. “But we can be sure that the coaching team will do their homework and prepare us as best as possible,” assures Sasic.
In the same hotel as the opponents
The Ivory Coast team arrived on Wednesday and they are staying in the same hotel as the rest of their Group B opponents. Hotel Chateau Laurier is different than the established base camps that the men have. “The hotel is huge, you really don’t hear anything from the other teams,” said Melanie Leupolz. “I think that is great for our concentration.”
Younger players like Leupolz are getting along perfect with more experienced players like Sasic as there is great chemistry within the team. “The younger plays bring great will and determination, while the older players bring much experience,” remarked Sasic who is one of five players with over 100 caps.
"Many of the younger players have tournament experience under their belt”
The younger players are a breath of fresh air in a team with more experienced players. “We are already playing good football, so we just want to enjoy everything,” said 19-year-old Bremer who is one of seven U23 players. “It is an amazing experience”
What is the biggest advantage of the youngsters? Five of the selected 23 were there two years ago when the team won the European Championship in Sweden. “Many of the younger players have tournament experience under their belt, and they understand the pressure that comes with it,” said Sasic. “In 2013 we dealt with many ups and downs, but now we are on a totally different level then compared to 2013.”