DFB Women comfortably came out on top 4-1 against Sweden in the final 16 of the World Cup in Canada. Silvia Neid’s side therefore become the first team in the tournament to qualify for the quarterfinals. Anja Mittag gave Germany the lead in the 24th minute, before Celia Sasic doubled their lead on 36 minutes from the spot, also setting up a goal for Dzsenifer Marozsan before netting again late on after Sweden had scored a consolation goal.
The forward spoke to DFB.de after the final 16 win with editor Paula Widmerüber on her team’s performance, her feelings from the penalty spot and the days to come.
DFB.de: Celia Sasic, congratulations on qualifying for the quarterfinals. What did you make of the game?
Celia Sasic: We showed from the first few seconds that we wanted to win the game and that we were ready to go every way and into every challenge. And we just didn’t let Sweden get into the game.
DFB.de: After the group stages, have the team started to improve certain aspects. Has the plan worked?
Sasic: Yes, we delivered a strong performance in all positions and used the width of the pitch. It really speaks volumes for us that we can create this many chances against a top side like Sweden. We can be truly happy with this game.
DFB.de: What was going through your head, when you stood over the penalty in the first half with the score at 1-0?
Sasic: I think that the most dangerous thing to do in this scenario, is to think too much. You just have to put the ball down and put it in the back of the net. And in such an intense game like that, you’re extremely focused and don’t sense much around it.
DFB Women comfortably came out on top 4-1 against Sweden in the final 16 of the World Cup in Canada. Silvia Neid’s side therefore become the first team in the tournament to qualify for the quarterfinals. Anja Mittag gave Germany the lead in the 24th minute, before Celia Sasic doubled their lead on 36 minutes from the spot, also setting up a goal for Dzsenifer Marozsan before netting again late on after Sweden had scored a consolation goal.
The forward spoke to DFB.de after the final 16 win with editor Paula Widmerüber on her team’s performance, her feelings from the penalty spot and the days to come.
DFB.de: Celia Sasic, congratulations on qualifying for the quarterfinals. What did you make of the game?
Celia Sasic: We showed from the first few seconds that we wanted to win the game and that we were ready to go every way and into every challenge. And we just didn’t let Sweden get into the game.
DFB.de: After the group stages, have the team started to improve certain aspects. Has the plan worked?
Sasic: Yes, we delivered a strong performance in all positions and used the width of the pitch. It really speaks volumes for us that we can create this many chances against a top side like Sweden. We can be truly happy with this game.
DFB.de: What was going through your head, when you stood over the penalty in the first half with the score at 1-0?
Sasic: I think that the most dangerous thing to do in this scenario, is to think too much. You just have to put the ball down and put it in the back of the net. And in such an intense game like that, you’re extremely focused and don’t sense much around it.
DFB.de: When did you realise that you had wrapped up the game?
Sasic: I felt from the off that we wouldn’t stop going. Every player wanted it lots, did their part and battled. You saw that we didn’t give up. I had a good feeling about it early on and it drew throughout the whole game.
DFB.de: How does your schedule look for the next few days?
Sasic: We’ll recuperate in Ottawa to start with. The players, who didn’t feature, will train again and we’ll then travel to Montreal. It’s only 200km this time, a pleasantly short distance. We’ll acclimatise there and prepare for our next game, when it continues on Friday. Either against France or South Korea.
