The DFB-Team secured their ticket for the Olympic Games semi-final following a 1-0 victory over China. Melanie Behringer's goal in the 76th minute separated the two sides with China missing a penalty in the closing stages. 23-year-old full back Leonie Maier from champions FC Bayern München discussed that match and the semi-final on Tuesday against Canada.
DFB.de: Leonie Maier, what went through your head immediately after the final whistle?
Leonie Maier: It was pure joy and relief! Towards the end of the match we unnecessarily made the game exciting again by conceding a penalty. After the final whistle I was simply really, really happy that we won the game and secured a spot in the semi-final.
DFB.de: You mentioned the penalty that you conceded - what happened from your point of view?
Maier: We gave China too much space and suddenly Annike (Krahn) and I were the last defenders in their way. My opponent dragged her leg behind a bit and we made contact. I was a bit clumsy and obviously I wasn't happy about what happened. But I was more relieved when the shot hit the post and we won the game.
DFB.de: Germany had a number of chances to score more goals before that. You even had the first opportunity of the game.
Maier: Yes, I received a great ball from Tabea (Kemme) but their keeper was able to make a save, which was obviously a shame. Fortunately Mel (Behringer) managed to score and fire us into the semi-final.
DFB.de: China were very defensive minded. How difficult was it to break them down?
The DFB-Team secured their ticket for the Olympic Games semi-final following a 1-0 victory over China. Melanie Behringer's goal in the 76th minute separated the two sides with China missing a penalty in the closing stages. 23-year-old full back Leonie Maier from champions FC Bayern München discussed that match and the semi-final on Tuesday against Canada.
DFB.de: Leonie Maier, what went through your head immediately after the final whistle?
Leonie Maier: It was pure joy and relief! Towards the end of the match we unnecessarily made the game exciting again by conceding a penalty. After the final whistle I was simply really, really happy that we won the game and secured a spot in the semi-final.
DFB.de: You mentioned the penalty that you conceded - what happened from your point of view?
Maier: We gave China too much space and suddenly Annike (Krahn) and I were the last defenders in their way. My opponent dragged her leg behind a bit and we made contact. I was a bit clumsy and obviously I wasn't happy about what happened. But I was more relieved when the shot hit the post and we won the game.
DFB.de: Germany had a number of chances to score more goals before that. You even had the first opportunity of the game.
Maier: Yes, I received a great ball from Tabea (Kemme) but their keeper was able to make a save, which was obviously a shame. Fortunately Mel (Behringer) managed to score and fire us into the semi-final.
DFB.de: China were very defensive minded. How difficult was it to break them down?
Maier: It was to be expected that it will be a difficult game. China stood quite deep and were compact in defence, not giving us any space. Especially in the first half we lacked movement and our combinations with the ball weren't as effective. In the second half we stretched the game out wide better and switched positions more often, which improved our combinations as well. This allowed us to create more chance. It was a great feeling when Mel scored. She really struck the ball beautifully.
DFB.de: Are you looking forward to play in Belo Horizonte now - the city where Germany won 7-1 against Brazil last year on their way to the World Cup?
Maier: It's certainly a good omen for us. We look forward to get to know another new city. We've seen a lot of Brazil so far since we've been to Sao Paulo, Brasilia and Salvador to play our games. We will have one day of regeneration before the semi-final which will be good for us. The games so far have been very tiring but the final is just a few steps away. Once you've reached the semi-final, you also want to play in the final. We are looking forward to the semi-final and we are all highly motivated.
DFB.de: Once again you will play against Canada...
Maier: Canada already proved to be a difficult opponent in the group stages. They stood quite deep and were very compact and robust in defence. Their players are very athletic and dangerous up front. Having lost 2-1 to them means that we now seek revenge. We are highly motivated and will do everything we can to prevail.
