The Germany Women’s team have achieved their minimum goal at the World Cup in Canada. Silvia Neid’s side have finished top of Group B after a 4-0 win over Thailand on Monday evening, and will now play a third-placed team from either Group A, C or D on Saturday (22:00 CEST).
The two-time World Champions made tough work of things against the underdogs from Asia, with the European Champions only showing their quality after halftime. Silvia Neid spoke in an interview about the stuttering start, super sub Lena Petermann and her team’s conversion of chances.
Question: Ms. Neid, how do you sum up the 4-0 win against Thailand?
Silvia Neid: We just didn’t take the game to our opponents in the first half. During the game we had too many players forward, did not use the wings well and did not take a clear-cut chance just before halftime. I often had the feeling that Thailand would be dangerous on the break. In the second half we played a more straightforward game, but first and foremost, I’m glad that we’ve won the group. I’m happy that we have seven points, but they count for nothing, because now things really get going.
Question: Super sub Lena Petermann scored twice, how do you rate her performance?
Neid: Lena came into the game and straight away tried to protect the ball. She also distributed the ball well and would go towards the ball. Her performance deserved the goals, and we were very happy about that.
Question: Are you at all concerned about your team’s faltering chance conversion?
Neid: Yes, very concerned. When we play against stronger opposition, we won’t get ten chances to score three or four goals. This coolness must be present; otherwise we might as well go home.
The Germany Women’s team have achieved their minimum goal at the World Cup in Canada. Silvia Neid’s side have finished top of Group B after a 4-0 win over Thailand on Monday evening, and will now play a third-placed team from either Group A, C or D on Saturday (22:00 CEST).
The two-time World Champions made tough work of things against the underdogs from Asia, with the European Champions only showing their quality after halftime. Silvia Neid spoke in an interview about the stuttering start, super sub Lena Petermann and her team’s conversion of chances.
Question: Ms. Neid, how do you sum up the 4-0 win against Thailand?
Silvia Neid: We just didn’t take the game to our opponents in the first half. During the game we had too many players forward, did not use the wings well and did not take a clear-cut chance just before halftime. I often had the feeling that Thailand would be dangerous on the break. In the second half we played a more straightforward game, but first and foremost, I’m glad that we’ve won the group. I’m happy that we have seven points, but they count for nothing, because now things really get going.
Question: Super sub Lena Petermann scored twice, how do you rate her performance?
Neid: Lena came into the game and straight away tried to protect the ball. She also distributed the ball well and would go towards the ball. Her performance deserved the goals, and we were very happy about that.
Question: Are you at all concerned about your team’s faltering chance conversion?
Neid: Yes, very concerned. When we play against stronger opposition, we won’t get ten chances to score three or four goals. This coolness must be present; otherwise we might as well go home.
Question: How can you work on that?
Neid: We will analyse the game, identify the errors, and address everything. But then the players have to transfer that onto the pitch. We have to go into the game with absolute concentration.
