For DFB captain Alexandra Popp, closeness and authenticity are two of the secrets of success in women’s football.
“The proximity to the fans, that we are more approachable than the men, is one of the things that makes women’s football so special,” said the VfL Wolfsburg international in the German edition of “Sports Illustrated”: “We are very authentic and I hope that it stays that way.”
Two weeks before the start of the World Cup tournament in Australia and New Zealand (July 20 to August 20), Popp is satisfied with the development of women’s football in Germany, but things are progressing abroad. “In other countries, the steps in terms of professionalization and marketing are being taken even more consistently, so we have to be careful not to be overtaken,” said the 32-year-old striker: “Because Germany wants to be at the top of the world with its football, and that too there’s more to it than just playing good football.”
The final World Cup squad will be announced on Saturday
Basically, Popp has a good feeling. “It now seems that we are being taken seriously and that what we are doing is being recognized,” she said. “I hope that we will stick with it.”
Popp is currently in the training camp in Herzogenaurach with the German team. In the World Cup dress rehearsal, the team of national coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg meets Zambia on Friday (8:30 p.m. / ARD) in Fürth. The final squad for the finals will then be named on Saturday. Four field players and one goalkeeper will be eliminated before the World Cup mission begins. “Women’s football is on our shoulders,” said Popp.