The Germany women’s team did not get the result that they had been hoping for against World champions the USA in their first game of the SheBelieves Cup, but it was a game from which they can learn a great deal. The 0-1 loss against the tournament’s hosts came thanks to a 56th minute goal from Lynn Williams. After the game, Germany goalkeeper Almuth Schult stated that “it was an high quality game. Of course we would have much preferred to get the win or at least a draw, but it was a very contained game.”
The Olympic champions and world champions played out a very evenly-matched game in Chester, Pennsylvania. VfL Wolfsburg goalkeeper Schult continued “it was quite quiet in front of goal in the first half, but then we conceded the goal. At first the ball hit the post and then got converted on the rebound, which was unlucky for us. After that we naturally tried to push more and more but that led to the USA getting more chances on the counter.”
However, Schult was not displeased with how things went overall. “We can take a lot from this game and from the tournament as a whole. The level of play is very high and ahead of the European Championships, that is even more important.” The team know where work is required following the USA match: “we made some mistakes in our buildup — the passes were not always well-placed and we were lacking at some of the basics. However, I believe that it was clear to see that we were working against tired legs. We can do a lot better.”
Schult: “We want to make more goalscoring chances”
The next challenge for Steffi Jones’ team comes in the form of France, and they are determined to step up to it. “France are a very strong side technically and in their style of play. We want to play better against them, and it should be easier given we have both made the same journey and are working in the same conditions,” said Schult. “I hope that we can create a lot going forward and that it will be a good game.”
Beyond the game itself, Schult says she is eagerly anticipating the atmosphere in the stadium. “Women’s football is extremely popular in the USA. The stadium was almost sold out and the fans were very loud.” The team will travel from Philadelphia to New Jersey for the match against France, which will be played in the Red Bull Arena on Saturday at 20:15 CET. After that they will begin action again on Tuesday at 22:00 CET to meet England in Washington DC.
The Germany women’s team did not get the result that they had been hoping for against World champions the USA in their first game of the SheBelieves Cup, but it was a game from which they can learn a great deal. The 0-1 loss against the tournament’s hosts came thanks to a 56th minute goal from Lynn Williams. After the game, Germany goalkeeper Almuth Schult stated that “it was an high quality game. Of course we would have much preferred to get the win or at least a draw, but it was a very contained game.”
The Olympic champions and world champions played out a very evenly-matched game in Chester, Pennsylvania. VfL Wolfsburg goalkeeper Schult continued “it was quite quiet in front of goal in the first half, but then we conceded the goal. At first the ball hit the post and then got converted on the rebound, which was unlucky for us. After that we naturally tried to push more and more but that led to the USA getting more chances on the counter.”
However, Schult was not displeased with how things went overall. “We can take a lot from this game and from the tournament as a whole. The level of play is very high and ahead of the European Championships, that is even more important.” The team know where work is required following the USA match: “we made some mistakes in our buildup — the passes were not always well-placed and we were lacking at some of the basics. However, I believe that it was clear to see that we were working against tired legs. We can do a lot better.”
Schult: “We want to make more goalscoring chances”
The next challenge for Steffi Jones’ team comes in the form of France, and they are determined to step up to it. “France are a very strong side technically and in their style of play. We want to play better against them, and it should be easier given we have both made the same journey and are working in the same conditions,” said Schult. “I hope that we can create a lot going forward and that it will be a good game.”
Beyond the game itself, Schult says she is eagerly anticipating the atmosphere in the stadium. “Women’s football is extremely popular in the USA. The stadium was almost sold out and the fans were very loud.” The team will travel from Philadelphia to New Jersey for the match against France, which will be played in the Red Bull Arena on Saturday at 20:15 CET. After that they will begin action again on Tuesday at 22:00 CET to meet England in Washington DC.
