Babett Peter and Melanie Behringer answered questions from the media after securing a spot in the semi finals of the World Cup in Canada. The DFB team had just prevailed from a fascinating quarterfinals clash with France, winning 6-5 on penalties. The teams were still level after 120 minutes of intense football between the two tournament favourites and Nadine Angerer clinched Germany's semi-final spot, saving a penalty from Claire Lavogez.
Babett Peter on...
...her feelings after conceding the opener: Even after we fell behind, I never thought that this could be it. None of us gave up. I saw my team mates push each other forwards and I instantly knew that we would still make it. Just before the penalty shootout I was still certain that we would win, because we have great penalty-takers and a world-class keeper. I knew that she would keep out at least one penalty.
...the atmosphere in the changing rooms at half time: It was fairly quiet in the changing rooms, because we weren’t satisfied with our own performance and we realised that we hadn’t shown up in the first half. We all reminded each other of our own strengths; that we could run and fight. And that's what we did from then on in the match.
...the penalty shootout: I wasn't aware that we were still missing one volunteer to take a penalty. I immediately knew then that I should take the responsibility and step up. I've been in this type of situation before and I trusted myself that I could handle it.
...the atmosphere during the penalty shootout: I didn’t hear anything myself when I was taking my penalty. But I did notice that the majority of the stadium seemed to be cheering for France. When it was my turn to shoot, I only thought that I should walk up and put the ball into the net.
...on reaching the semi-final: We worked hard to get here and also deserve a bit of luck, thanks to the hard work. We might not have shown great football against France, but we did display a great team performance.
...the night after the quarterfinal: Obviously we were all very excited. The entire team ate dinner together and then received further treatment. Falling asleep wasn't easy at first, so a lot of us met in the rooms and talked.
Melanie Behringer on...
...the quarterfinal: Our performance wasn't very good, particularly in the first half. France could have already scored the opener then. In the second half we fought our way back into the game. Obviously the penalty helped us out a lot and I think threw France slightly off track. We survived extra time and knew that we are a good side when it comes to penalties. We won in the end and couldn’t be happier.
...her decision, to take a penalty: I immediately had a good feeling and I offered to take the first penalty. I'm not sure why, maybe I need this type of pressure. I told Ulrike Ballweg that I would like to take one of the penalties and I was very happy to see other players volunteer as well. In the end we managed the situation perfectly.
...the team spirit: It was noticeable that even the substitutes that came in were fully engaged and committed for the cause. That was a great boost for all of us. When things don't go exactly your way, we are all here for each other. That was certainly a very positive aspect of our game in the quarterfinal. The great team spirit was again visible right after the game, when even the support staff came onto the pitch and celebrated with us. The atmosphere in the team is superb.
...their next opponent the United States: It's definitely going to be a big challenge, as they have a very good team. They are a very athletic side and able to run for the entire 90 minutes. They are desperate to win the World Cup and I'm very eager to see the game unfold. We will be prepared and I expect a close contest between us.
[mmc/fr]
Babett Peter and Melanie Behringer answered questions from the media after securing a spot in the semi finals of the World Cup in Canada. The DFB team had just prevailed from a fascinating quarterfinals clash with France, winning 6-5 on penalties. The teams were still level after 120 minutes of intense football between the two tournament favourites and Nadine Angerer clinched Germany's semi-final spot, saving a penalty from Claire Lavogez.
Babett Peter on...
...her feelings after conceding the opener: Even after we fell behind, I never thought that this could be it. None of us gave up. I saw my team mates push each other forwards and I instantly knew that we would still make it. Just before the penalty shootout I was still certain that we would win, because we have great penalty-takers and a world-class keeper. I knew that she would keep out at least one penalty.
...the atmosphere in the changing rooms at half time: It was fairly quiet in the changing rooms, because we weren’t satisfied with our own performance and we realised that we hadn’t shown up in the first half. We all reminded each other of our own strengths; that we could run and fight. And that's what we did from then on in the match.
...the penalty shootout: I wasn't aware that we were still missing one volunteer to take a penalty. I immediately knew then that I should take the responsibility and step up. I've been in this type of situation before and I trusted myself that I could handle it.
...the atmosphere during the penalty shootout: I didn’t hear anything myself when I was taking my penalty. But I did notice that the majority of the stadium seemed to be cheering for France. When it was my turn to shoot, I only thought that I should walk up and put the ball into the net.
...on reaching the semi-final: We worked hard to get here and also deserve a bit of luck, thanks to the hard work. We might not have shown great football against France, but we did display a great team performance.
...the night after the quarterfinal: Obviously we were all very excited. The entire team ate dinner together and then received further treatment. Falling asleep wasn't easy at first, so a lot of us met in the rooms and talked.
Melanie Behringer on...
...the quarterfinal: Our performance wasn't very good, particularly in the first half. France could have already scored the opener then. In the second half we fought our way back into the game. Obviously the penalty helped us out a lot and I think threw France slightly off track. We survived extra time and knew that we are a good side when it comes to penalties. We won in the end and couldn’t be happier.
...her decision, to take a penalty: I immediately had a good feeling and I offered to take the first penalty. I'm not sure why, maybe I need this type of pressure. I told Ulrike Ballweg that I would like to take one of the penalties and I was very happy to see other players volunteer as well. In the end we managed the situation perfectly.
...the team spirit: It was noticeable that even the substitutes that came in were fully engaged and committed for the cause. That was a great boost for all of us. When things don't go exactly your way, we are all here for each other. That was certainly a very positive aspect of our game in the quarterfinal. The great team spirit was again visible right after the game, when even the support staff came onto the pitch and celebrated with us. The atmosphere in the team is superb.
...their next opponent the United States: It's definitely going to be a big challenge, as they have a very good team. They are a very athletic side and able to run for the entire 90 minutes. They are desperate to win the World Cup and I'm very eager to see the game unfold. We will be prepared and I expect a close contest between us.
