Silvia Neid: "We deserved to lose"

Their defeat still smarts, but it is still far too early for Germany to press the panic button. Although they ended their group stage duties at UEFA Women's EURO 2013 with a 1-0 loss to Norway, Silvia Neid and her players are already focusing on Sunday's quarter-final against Italy (live on ARD and Eurosport at 18.00 CET).

Reacting to the loss, Neid urged her charges to forget their misstep against Norway as quickly as possible as they prepare for the knockout phase in Sweden. The experienced coach also reflected on her side's status as tournament favourites and shared her thoughts on meeting Italy.

Question: Silvia Neid, what is your take on Germany's historic 1-0 loss to Norway?

Silvia Neid: We deserved to lose. We never got going in the match. In the first half, we weren't able to up the tempo. We misplaced lots of passes and we lacked efficiency in front of our opponents' goal. The player on the ball never had more than one or two options around her. That's not enough. After the break, we tried to roll our sleeves up, but we weren't any more successful, so we will have to make do with second place in the group.

Question: Germany were on a run of 28 games without defeat in this tournament and suffered their first loss at a Women's EURO for more than 20 years. Does that concern you?

Neid: I haven't thought about it. I don't mind, to be honest. It was a fantastic run but all good things come to an end. I'm happy that we have four points and that we'll be in the quarter-finals.

Question: Since that game, some observers have been saying that you are no longer favourites for this Women's EURO. Do you agree?

Neid: Yes, I agree. Whoever watched the game must be saying to themselves that it's possible to beat this team and that they have nothing to fear.

Question: Beyond the result, what else did you take from the match?

Neid: We have to learn to be more clinical, especially when things aren't going as we'd hope and we're not comfortable. That's obviously more difficult for young players than for more experienced ones.

Question: How will you re-motivate your players before the quarter-final against Italy?

Neid: We'll get together and analyse the match. Naturally, I have questions to ask them, but the players need to have their own opinions. We're in a European Championship and we have to put that loss behind us quickly. We need to go into the quarter-finals in a good condition mentally and physically.

Question: Have you watched Italy recently? What are your thoughts on them?

Neid: We've followed all the teams to collect as much information as possible about everyone. Italy will be very difficult to beat. The Italians know how to get the most out of every little detail. They're canny and experienced. We can't lose our nerve against them, even if we receive an elbow or a verbal attack. We'll need to be wary.