The first match of the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro (3rd to 20th August) is looming for the Germany women’s team. Silvia Neid’s team’s first group game will begin against Zimbabwe on Wednesday in São Paulo. In an interview with DFB.de, the 23-year-old full-back Leonie Maier spoke to journalist Paula Widmer about her impression of Brazil and their first game with the team from the southern part of Africa.
DFB.de: Miss Maier, you were in the stadium briefly on Monday to pick up your accreditation, what did you think of it?
Leonie Maier: The stadium is nice and huge. Everything is spacious and very modern. The pitch was also amazing. My impression was extremely positive. I hope that some spectators come along on Wednesday.
DFB.de: What has your impression been overall?
Maier: Very positive. The people are very open, friendly and warm. You can see that they are happy we’re here. For example, they have been cheering, clapping and greeting us as they walk by when we are training. I believe that they are really happy that a part of the Olympic Games is taking place here. There is obviously another side though.
DFB.de: Which is?
Maier: We have obviously seen both sides of the city. When you travel an hour away from training on the bus you go past the districts with simpler buildings. The is a definitely a clear difference between the rich and the poor. It’s moving and makes you more aware of how good you have it. Some players were also allowed to visit the Favela to get to know the people there. The girls enjoyed meeting the children and the people and liked their openness.
DFB.de: What is the atmosphere like in the team?
Maier: The mood in the squad is great, we have a great group. There is a good mix of younger and older players. Some have already been at the Olympics while it is the first time for others. Being here is something very special for me. It is different to a European Championship or World Cup, the system and timing of the matches is different. Us younger players have been picking the older players brains about what it was like in Beijing in 2008. We will do anything we can to get as far as possible, move into the Olympic Village and play for a medal. I believe as well that it is something that you can’t describe but simply have to experience. We all feel good and can barely wait for the action to begin on Wednesday.
DFB.de: What do you expect from your first opponents?
Maier: We have never played against Zimbabwe before so they will be a totally new opposition for us, We have seen a few videos of them play though. We are expecting a lot of athleticism and physical play considering it is an African team. There will be a lot of tackles. They will do everything they can to make our life difficult. We will have to stamp our authority on the game and have a strong will to win the match.
[mmc/ma]
The first match of the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro (3rd to 20th August) is looming for the Germany women’s team. Silvia Neid’s team’s first group game will begin against Zimbabwe on Wednesday in São Paulo. In an interview with DFB.de, the 23-year-old full-back Leonie Maier spoke to journalist Paula Widmer about her impression of Brazil and their first game with the team from the southern part of Africa.
DFB.de: Miss Maier, you were in the stadium briefly on Monday to pick up your accreditation, what did you think of it?
Leonie Maier: The stadium is nice and huge. Everything is spacious and very modern. The pitch was also amazing. My impression was extremely positive. I hope that some spectators come along on Wednesday.
DFB.de: What has your impression been overall?
Maier: Very positive. The people are very open, friendly and warm. You can see that they are happy we’re here. For example, they have been cheering, clapping and greeting us as they walk by when we are training. I believe that they are really happy that a part of the Olympic Games is taking place here. There is obviously another side though.
DFB.de: Which is?
Maier: We have obviously seen both sides of the city. When you travel an hour away from training on the bus you go past the districts with simpler buildings. The is a definitely a clear difference between the rich and the poor. It’s moving and makes you more aware of how good you have it. Some players were also allowed to visit the Favela to get to know the people there. The girls enjoyed meeting the children and the people and liked their openness.
DFB.de: What is the atmosphere like in the team?
Maier: The mood in the squad is great, we have a great group. There is a good mix of younger and older players. Some have already been at the Olympics while it is the first time for others. Being here is something very special for me. It is different to a European Championship or World Cup, the system and timing of the matches is different. Us younger players have been picking the older players brains about what it was like in Beijing in 2008. We will do anything we can to get as far as possible, move into the Olympic Village and play for a medal. I believe as well that it is something that you can’t describe but simply have to experience. We all feel good and can barely wait for the action to begin on Wednesday.
DFB.de: What do you expect from your first opponents?
Maier: We have never played against Zimbabwe before so they will be a totally new opposition for us, We have seen a few videos of them play though. We are expecting a lot of athleticism and physical play considering it is an African team. There will be a lot of tackles. They will do everything they can to make our life difficult. We will have to stamp our authority on the game and have a strong will to win the match.
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