Svenja Huth is one of the most important players for national coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg. You can rely on the deputy captain. At the World Cup in Australia, the 32-year-old is in demand in an unfamiliar role.
Right-back Svenja Huth? The older ones will remember. That was already the case when the 1.63 meter woman started her football career at 1. FFC Frankfurt. Nevertheless, it came as a surprise to the neutral observer when the Wolfsburg offensive player suddenly defended at right back during the World Cup dress rehearsal against Zambia (2:3).
The position was vacant due to the injury-related failure of Giulia Gwinn (rehab after a cruciate ligament rupture). Many expected Sophia Kleinherne to have a chance. But MVT decided differently.
I’ll throw everything in, no matter where I’m placed.
“We had an exchange beforehand, with the question of whether I can imagine that in principle,” reported Huth on Friday at the press conference in Wyong. Since leaving Frankfurt in 2015, she has actually noticed other qualities, but explained: “I can be used flexibly, preferably on the offensive. But I’ll throw everything in, no matter where I’m set up.”
Every player knows her role in the World Cup
Kleinherne had already reported on Wednesday without hesitation that she would not be one of the starting eleven at the World Cup either. “Communication already took place in Herzogenaurach,” said the Frankfurter looking back on the World Cup preparation camp. “We are all aware of our role here at the World Cup – and I can identify 100 percent with the fact that I’m Svenja’s backup for now.”
The 23-year-old knows the situation from England. There she played a large part in the success not only through good performances as a joker, but also off the pitch. Kleinherne and her bank colleagues supported the team on the pitch in an impressive way. The spirit of Brentford was a key to opening the gate to the final of the European Championship.
Even in the run-up to the European Championship, the national coach sought to talk to all of her players. That was very well received, prevented disappointments on the spot with the second guard – and gave the regular players security.
“I just want to be there for the team in the best possible way – no matter what role,” Kleinherne announced. And Huth praised: “The players on the bench give it their all every day in training. They hope for their chance and push us to do our best.”
Team sees wild kangaroos
In Australia, all players, regardless of whether they are regulars or first-time substitutes, praise the very good atmosphere in the squad. Joint activities also contribute to this: On a free Thursday afternoon, the players had the opportunity to experience wild kangaroos on a trip to the surrounding area. Captain Alexandra Popp had already prepared her teammates for the country’s wildlife with a presentation some time ago.
We’re very often on the pitch, but it’s also good for the mind, soul and body to have some free time to balance things out.
In addition, the concentrated work on the pitch is highlighted. The team has long since acclimatized in Australia. Voss-Tecklenburg was happy in the Sportschau interview that everything was done right with the planning – and the long lead up to the first game.
Who is still playing – Brand, Anyomi or Lohmann?
Huth reported that the automatisms are still being worked on in training. “It’s important that we’re well-rehearsed.” The team needs an axis. However, the fact that all players will keep their intended positions in the course of the tournament is “not set in stone”. Especially since it needs variability anyway to play on the opponents. “Static play is easy to defend.”
It is not yet clear who will take on the offensive role on the right flank. Huth named Nicole Anyomi, Sydney Lohmann and Jule Brand, who started against Zambia, as possible candidates.
Even if Huth has to get used to the exact procedures defensively, the right winger assumes that her offensive partner will even have advantages by playing behind her: “I know which spaces and passes you want in the position.”
DFB women participate in Common Goal
The DFB women have decided to donate one percent of their World Cup bonus. The team has chosen the Common Goal certified projects “Futbalo Girls” and “Girl Power”. They stand up for equality. “We want to set an example and generate strength together,” said deputy captain Svenja Huth.