She’s not one to frighten easily. No, Nadine Angerer loves a challenge, and so she was overjoyed when Silvia Neid spoke about her new status on the team. Nadine Angerer, 28, will guard the German goal during the upcoming FIFA World Cup. She is Germany’s new number one, the goalkeeper of the defending World Champions. “I was ecstatic when I heard the news”, says Angerer, who plays for 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam in the women’s Bundesliga.
A dream comes true. Finally. She has been a member of the German national team for ten years, yet she never became the starter for a major tournament. Now, her time has come. Michael Fuchs, the German goalkeeping coach, believes it’s Angerer’s moment to shine: “She’s defnitely in great shape, she’s worked really hard these last few weeks.”
Now, Nadine Angerer is second best to none. When the year began, things looked very different. Nadine Angerer was stuck in the middle of her job exams. She had attended school to become a physical therapist and in January and February, she had to pass her final exams. “For six months, my job had to take priority in my life. Now, it’s different. As we prepare for the World Cup, I am totally focused on football.”
The former number one, Silke Rottbenberg, had just recuperated from severe ligament damage in her knee, when she tore a muscle in the calf of her right leg on Monday. Just when the battle between Angerer and Rottenberg was about to begin, Rottenberg’s second major injury led to a quick decision. “I feel bad for Silke, because I know how hard she had worked to get back to the team. I didn’t want to take the position because of an injury”, says Angerer.
But as August starts, this is no time for introspection. Germany’s women have just beaten Denmark in a friendly game, and German coach Silvia Neid would like to see her team gathering momentum as it heads into September. “We really feel great about Nadine, who’s a world-class goalie. Many nations envy us for having tow outstanding women at this position. Nadine will be solid in China – I have no doubt about that.”