The game against France marks the end of the international year for Germany Women’s national team. Forward Alexandra Popp, 26, discusses her connections with Bielefeld, the strengths of the opposition and what the fans in the Schüco Arena can look forward to.
DFB.de: Bielefeld isn’t exactly unknown territory for you, is it?
Alexandra Popp: When I think of Bielefeld, winning the U20s Women’s World Cup in 2010 always springs to mind as the final against Nigeria took place there. That’s always going to be the first thing I think of when I think of Bielefeld.
DFB.de: There have been some interesting games against the France Women’s national team of late. Most recently, the clash ended 0-0 at the start of the calendar year. What can the fans expect from the game?
Alexandra Popp: The games against France have always been at a high standard. The games are always end-to-end. The result usually comes down to the slightest factor tipping the game in one of the team's favour. Therefore, we know what kind of a game will await us. I’m fairly certain that the French Women’s head coach, Corinne Diacre, will want to test out some of her younger players. The fans can look forward to an exciting match.
DFB.de: What will be the biggest challenges you’ll face in this fixture?
Alexandra Popp: First and foremost, we need to ensure we remain solid at the back. The France team are known for their clever build-up play – especially through the centre of the park. We have to try and stop them from getting into their full flow. We need to get the ball forward quickly too and take the chances which we hopefully create.
DFB.de: Can winning the World Cup in your own country help give women’s football a boost in France?
Alexandra Popp: I think we’ve already seen that in action. At the European Championships in 2017, the Dutch fans gave their team a remarkable boost. As the men’s team missed out on Russia 2018, the women’s team got more of the limelight. It’s really helped women’s football in the Netherlands come on. I’m sure it’ll be the same at France 2019 as the team will be playing for a World Cup in front of their own fans. At the moment, you can see how the domestic league there is improving continually. The attendance figures at clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain, Montpellier and Lyon are steadily rising. A World Cup in their own country would provide a spectacular spring board for women’s football in France to develop from.
DFB.de: Bielefeld isn’t too far from Witten where you were born. Are you in the process of sorting out cards for family and friends upon your return?
Alexandra Popp: Not as of yet! Unfortunately, something has come up for my parents so they won’t be able to make it but my friends will be there. When the Women’s national team play here in Westen, it’s very special for me and my friends can come and support me and the rest of my teammates.
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The game against France marks the end of the international year for Germany Women’s national team. Forward Alexandra Popp, 26, discusses her connections with Bielefeld, the strengths of the opposition and what the fans in the Schüco Arena can look forward to.
DFB.de: Bielefeld isn’t exactly unknown territory for you, is it?
Alexandra Popp: When I think of Bielefeld, winning the U20s Women’s World Cup in 2010 always springs to mind as the final against Nigeria took place there. That’s always going to be the first thing I think of when I think of Bielefeld.
DFB.de: There have been some interesting games against the France Women’s national team of late. Most recently, the clash ended 0-0 at the start of the calendar year. What can the fans expect from the game?
Alexandra Popp: The games against France have always been at a high standard. The games are always end-to-end. The result usually comes down to the slightest factor tipping the game in one of the team's favour. Therefore, we know what kind of a game will await us. I’m fairly certain that the French Women’s head coach, Corinne Diacre, will want to test out some of her younger players. The fans can look forward to an exciting match.
DFB.de: What will be the biggest challenges you’ll face in this fixture?
Alexandra Popp: First and foremost, we need to ensure we remain solid at the back. The France team are known for their clever build-up play – especially through the centre of the park. We have to try and stop them from getting into their full flow. We need to get the ball forward quickly too and take the chances which we hopefully create.
DFB.de: Can winning the World Cup in your own country help give women’s football a boost in France?
Alexandra Popp: I think we’ve already seen that in action. At the European Championships in 2017, the Dutch fans gave their team a remarkable boost. As the men’s team missed out on Russia 2018, the women’s team got more of the limelight. It’s really helped women’s football in the Netherlands come on. I’m sure it’ll be the same at France 2019 as the team will be playing for a World Cup in front of their own fans. At the moment, you can see how the domestic league there is improving continually. The attendance figures at clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain, Montpellier and Lyon are steadily rising. A World Cup in their own country would provide a spectacular spring board for women’s football in France to develop from.
DFB.de: Bielefeld isn’t too far from Witten where you were born. Are you in the process of sorting out cards for family and friends upon your return?
Alexandra Popp: Not as of yet! Unfortunately, something has come up for my parents so they won’t be able to make it but my friends will be there. When the Women’s national team play here in Westen, it’s very special for me and my friends can come and support me and the rest of my teammates.
