US football legend and FIFA Women's World Cup 2011 ambassadors Mia Hamm talks with dfb.de about the friendly between USA and Germany on Sunday in Cleveland (00:10 MESZ, live on ZDF), preparations for 2011 and the upcoming U-20 Women's World Cup.
DFB.de: Who is your favourite for Sunday?
Mia Hamm: I have to cheer for the US. I have so many amazing memories and experiences wearing that jersey and am proud to have represented my country for 18 years. I have so much respect for Germany. They are a team that has always played the game with skill, beauty, and discipline. They continue to be the leaders in the game and are reigning world champions, so all of us are trying to raise our level to theirs.
DFB.de: You attended the previous clash in Augsburg. What German player impressed you the most?
Hamm: Birgit Prinz, as she continues to improve her game. She’s also one of the most lethal goal scorers in the world and she will find ways to help her team win.
DFB.de: To what extent has the German game changed over recent years? Is it still the same as when you were a player or have you noticed new aspects?
Hamm: Germany have always played a very attractive and disciplined style of soccer. They are committed to getting numbers in the attack and using the flanks to find space. They have consistently produced some of the world's best playmaking central midfielders. I’ve also noticed that over the last four years or so that they’ve really focused on the individual creativity and flair of their personality players.
DFB.de: As an international ambassador of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2011 you are regularly in touch with Steffi Jones. How do you see preparations for the torunament?
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US football legend and FIFA Women's World Cup 2011 ambassadors Mia Hamm talks with dfb.de about the friendly between USA and Germany on Sunday in Cleveland (00:10 MESZ, live on ZDF), preparations for 2011 and the upcoming U-20 Women's World Cup.
DFB.de: Who is your favourite for Sunday?
Mia Hamm: I have to cheer for the US. I have so many amazing memories and experiences wearing that jersey and am proud to have represented my country for 18 years. I have so much respect for Germany. They are a team that has always played the game with skill, beauty, and discipline. They continue to be the leaders in the game and are reigning world champions, so all of us are trying to raise our level to theirs.
DFB.de: You attended the previous clash in Augsburg. What German player impressed you the most?
Hamm: Birgit Prinz, as she continues to improve her game. She’s also one of the most lethal goal scorers in the world and she will find ways to help her team win.
DFB.de: To what extent has the German game changed over recent years? Is it still the same as when you were a player or have you noticed new aspects?
Hamm: Germany have always played a very attractive and disciplined style of soccer. They are committed to getting numbers in the attack and using the flanks to find space. They have consistently produced some of the world's best playmaking central midfielders. I’ve also noticed that over the last four years or so that they’ve really focused on the individual creativity and flair of their personality players.
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DFB.de: As an international ambassador of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2011 you are regularly in touch with Steffi Jones. How do you see preparations for the torunament?
Hamm: Steffi and I try and keep in touch. I know she and her staff have been working tirelessly to make the 2011 Women's World Cup the best ever. I am so impressed by the passion for the game shown not only by Steffi but all her staff, which includes many of Germany's soccer greats.
DFB.de: You attended a couple of games during the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Do you consider 2011 as a continuation of 2006 or do you believe the upcoming Women’s World Cup will write its own history?
Hamm: I think you will find the same accessibility and hospitality that surrounded 2006, but the Women's World Cup will have its own flair and emotion attached to it.
DFB.de: The U-20 Women’s World Cup kicks off on July 13 in Germany. What’s the charm of the tournament?
Hamm: As a player, you learn about the importance of preparation and experience. World Cups are not about being ready for just one game: they are about sustaining a high level for two or three weeks. You have to be ready with every aspect of your game: physical, mental and tactical. These tournaments illustrate the importance of training, nutrition, tactical understanding and mental preparation. As a spectator, you get to watch the development and growth of the future stars of our game. It allows fans to go out and support football at the youngest level.
DFB.de: Since 2009 you have also been FC Barcelona’s ambassador. What does that mean to you?
Hamm: I was very proud to be asked to be a part of the FC Barcelona family. It is a club with a rich history and tradition that believe in playing an attractive and responsible brand of football. I hope to share some of my love and experience of the game with them and am very excited to help continue the growth of soccer in the USA.
