Silvia Neid, manager of the Germany Women’s national team, is hoping for “perfect form on the day” in order for her team to overcome the task of beating France in their World Cup quarterfinal match later on Friday (22:00 CEST). “We’re in very good shape and can really go for it against a strong opponent that we know well,” said the 51-year-old in Montréal.
There is an “element of tension” in the team, said Neid, “but we’re happy that we have reached this far and we want to play well and progress further.” The players are feeling well prepared ahead of this tough task against the world’s third-ranked team. “We are familiar with our opponents and every player is showing in training just how focused and committed they all are,” assured right back Leonie Maier.
Conditions like indoor football
Neid, however, was critical of the conditions in the roofed Olympic Stadium. “It’s very peculiar. We’re not used to playing football inside during the summer. I’m baffled that we cannot open the roof,” said the ex-Germany international, who is expecting a pro-France crowd in the French speaking city. “It will be very loud; we cannot let ourselves be distracted by that.”
Who will replace the suspended Saskia Bartusiak in central defence is something Neid has left open. “Babett Peter had a very good game against Thailand, but Josephine Henning is also training very well. We have to think a bit more about what the best solution is,” said Neid.
Silvia Neid, manager of the Germany Women’s national team, is hoping for “perfect form on the day” in order for her team to overcome the task of beating France in their World Cup quarterfinal match later on Friday (22:00 CEST). “We’re in very good shape and can really go for it against a strong opponent that we know well,” said the 51-year-old in Montréal.
There is an “element of tension” in the team, said Neid, “but we’re happy that we have reached this far and we want to play well and progress further.” The players are feeling well prepared ahead of this tough task against the world’s third-ranked team. “We are familiar with our opponents and every player is showing in training just how focused and committed they all are,” assured right back Leonie Maier.
Conditions like indoor football
Neid, however, was critical of the conditions in the roofed Olympic Stadium. “It’s very peculiar. We’re not used to playing football inside during the summer. I’m baffled that we cannot open the roof,” said the ex-Germany international, who is expecting a pro-France crowd in the French speaking city. “It will be very loud; we cannot let ourselves be distracted by that.”
Who will replace the suspended Saskia Bartusiak in central defence is something Neid has left open. “Babett Peter had a very good game against Thailand, but Josephine Henning is also training very well. We have to think a bit more about what the best solution is,” said Neid.
