Linda Bresonik: “You always get a certain feeling as an athlete that means you’re not quite inactive. My feeling was that we would beat Sweden. We weren’t favourites going into the game, I knew that, but my gut instinct told me before the match that we would reach the final.
It was a fantastic performance by the team; the ‘Laganda 008’ spirit was definitely there [throughout the tournament the team have been wearing wristbands labelled ‘Laganda 008’; ‘Laganda’ means ‘spirit’ in Swedish and 008 denotes their potential eighth title]. As a footballer your heart aches because, of course, you would love to be there too, but you can’t have everything. It’s important to be healthy and I want to keep playing for a few more years yet. My target is the World Cup in 2015.”
Babett Peter: “Of course, I had my fingers crossed for the girls, but I was afraid it would be very difficult. The fact that the win was slightly unexpected made me even happier for them. I sent good luck texts to Melanie Behringer, Nadine Angerer and our physiotherapist Doreen Krüger.
Unfortunately I can’t fly to the final in Sweden. On Tuesday I have a sport management exam at my university and have to study a lot. I’m also still on crutches so I would need a lot of help from other people to get around. I have a check-up with the doctor on Monday. I hope that everything is healing well so I can start running and cycling again.”
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Babett Peter, Verena Faißt, Alexandra Popp, Linda Bresonik, Kim Kulig and Viola Odebrecht have possibly the most difficult task in German women’s football right now. Relegated to the role of spectators, their injuries have allowed other players in Silvia Neid’s UEFA Women’s European Championship squad to make the headlines in Sweden.
Nevertheless, they will be watching the final on Sunday (live on ARD and Eurosport from 16.00 CET) and see themselves as the side’s biggest fans. DFB.de interviewed the players who will be cheering on their teammates from their sofas.
Alexandra Popp: “I watched the semi-final against Sweden with Verena Faißt and another VfL Wolfsburg teammate, it was very exciting. We were all on the edge of our seats and were over the moon when Germany went 1-0 in front. Then we were overjoyed when Sweden’s equaliser was disallowed. It was so emotional for us sitting in front of the TV.
I speak to Luisa Wensing regularly as we play in the same team and live together. We Skyped the day before the game, and she said then that she had a good feeling about it. When you see the girls celebrating, you feel a bit disappointed that you can’t be there with them, of course. But despite that, I do feel part of it. It’s such a shame that we can’t be there in person for the final but pre-season is underway at VfL, so we will be well prepared for the tasks that lie ahead.”
Kim Kulig: “In the semi-final you could see what the team is capable of. Of course, there was an element of luck, especially in the second half when Sweden were pressuring. But ultimately the team fought really well and now they’re in the final. I’m their biggest fan.
I haven’t got anything planned yet, but perhaps I’ll fly over for the final at the last minute. I’ve been able to enjoy the atmosphere at the tournament before and I think the match in Gothenburg against the hosts was just awesome. The atmosphere must have been so cool.”
Verena Faißt: “This young team had to settle into the tournament at first. They didn’t make much of an impression in the group stage, then started from scratch again in the quarter-final. The game against Italy wasn’t a pretty one, but it was a heroic effort. They fought, showed spirit and deserved to win. The semi-final against Sweden really was a fantastic team performance, and now the girls are deservedly in the final.
Despite my injury I’m trying to support the girls as much as I can because I’m a part of the setup. Of course, I watch every match, keep in touch with several of the VfL players and send them messages to wish them luck and hope they stay fit. I think about Sweden all the time.”
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Linda Bresonik: “You always get a certain feeling as an athlete that means you’re not quite inactive. My feeling was that we would beat Sweden. We weren’t favourites going into the game, I knew that, but my gut instinct told me before the match that we would reach the final.
It was a fantastic performance by the team; the ‘Laganda 008’ spirit was definitely there [throughout the tournament the team have been wearing wristbands labelled ‘Laganda 008’; ‘Laganda’ means ‘spirit’ in Swedish and 008 denotes their potential eighth title]. As a footballer your heart aches because, of course, you would love to be there too, but you can’t have everything. It’s important to be healthy and I want to keep playing for a few more years yet. My target is the World Cup in 2015.”
Babett Peter: “Of course, I had my fingers crossed for the girls, but I was afraid it would be very difficult. The fact that the win was slightly unexpected made me even happier for them. I sent good luck texts to Melanie Behringer, Nadine Angerer and our physiotherapist Doreen Krüger.
Unfortunately I can’t fly to the final in Sweden. On Tuesday I have a sport management exam at my university and have to study a lot. I’m also still on crutches so I would need a lot of help from other people to get around. I have a check-up with the doctor on Monday. I hope that everything is healing well so I can start running and cycling again.”
