The record European champions challenge the internationally untitled Les Bleues when it comes to reaching the final on July 31 in London’s legendary arena. “Of course there is nothing better than playing a European Championship final in England at Wembley Stadium,” said Martina Voss-Tecklenburg.
The national coach recently reminded that her team was allowed to play there in front of a big crowd: In 2019, the DFB women won a test match against England in front of almost 78,000 spectators 2-1 after goals from Popp and – Bühl.
Voss-Tecklenburg: “It will hurt”
“Tomorrow a lot will depend on us and what we allow,” said Voss-Tecklenburg. The 54-year-old spoke of a “top team”, “but we have also seen where they are vulnerable.” It will take mentality – “and it will hurt. We are ready and will throw in everything we have – it will be a top semi-final.”
The French come with the arduous, albeit well-deserved, 1-0 win over the Netherlands after extra time – and with two days less preparation. “It’s good for the head and legs,” said two-time tournament goal scorer Lina Magull, taking a deep breath at the weekend. Since Sunday, however, the players have been completely in France mode.
Merle Frohms is “very excited about Wembley”
In Milton Keynes, the “EM magic” (pop) should not be lost. The eight-time European champion, world champion from 2003 and 2007 and Olympic champion from 2016 can land a coup after three years without tournaments and thrilling performances at the European Championships. With a smile, the Wolfsburg winger Huth recalled a saying from her former interim national coach: “As Horst Hrubesch always said: Now it doesn’t make any sense to lose.”
Goalkeeper Merle Frohms is “very excited about Wembley. But we know that there is still a long way to go. That we can’t dream too much too soon.” You have “a world-class team that is capable of a lot.” And the strength of the defense is also a sign to other teams “that it takes a lot to score a goal against us. But we also know that the opponents are getting stronger now.”
Huth is certain of the clash with the aces of Champions League winner Olympique Lyon led by captain Wendie Renard: “This team spirit and this knowledge that the base is our defense can take us far.”
The expected lineups:
Germany: Frohms (VfL Wolfsburg) – Gwinn (FC Bayern Munich), Hegering (VfL Wolfburg), Hendrich (VfL Wolfsburg), Rauch (VfL Wolfsburg) – Oberdorf (VfL Wolfsburg), Däbritz (Olympique Lyon) – Huth (VfL Wolfsburg) , Magull (FC Bayern Munich), Brand (VfL Wolfsburg) – Popp (VfL Wolfsburg)