Before the DFB women against France, the view of goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger is also looking at goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger. It has a special motivation.
Kim Steinke reports from Zurich
With all the hustle and bustle on and next to the square, Germany’s final woman Ann-Katrin Berger can rely primarily on a person who is at the same time her great drive. “My grandpa turned 92 a few days ago. My motivation is that he comes to the final,” said the 34-year-old in Zurich on Wednesday. Another K.-O. game would not be possible for him: he said that “quarter-finals, semi-finals are not worth it,” continued Berger.
For the DFB women, the next Saturday against France will be in the European Championship quarter-finals for moving into the round of the last four. The team of national coach Christian Wück completed the group phase in second place after Germany lost the decisive duel against Sweden 1: 4.
The door into the final is still open. “So I have my own motivation to get so far and make it proud,” said Berger. The goalkeeper was first criticized for her sometimes risky playing style after the second European Championship game against Denmark (2-1). There were four goals against Sweden – and two hair -raising bad passes that could have leaded to other goals.
Berger’s grandpa also saw the game – and gave his granddaughter an assessment. “My grandfather was always a very strict but lovable man. I either get a thumbs up or thumbs down from him,” said Berger, saying: “With the game I got a thumbs up and that means something, because that doesn’t exist so often.”
Berger’s grandpa has a decisive influence on the appearance of the player of NJ/NY Gotham. “He may not have so much idea of football, but he always attaches great importance to the charisma,” said Berger, which is why she is now smiling from a game in the mandatory import of the national anthem.
The connection between the 92-year-old and Berger is strong: “Some may think that he is a crazy one, but for my grandpa I would do everything,” continued the national goalkeeper. However, he is not: “He only comes to the final. I tried to persuade him, but he is a hard nut.”