Her father comes from Iran, her mother from Turkey, but she is a Germany international. When Silvia Neid’s side face Turkey in Istanbul on Friday (16:00 CEST), it will be a special game for Sara Doorsoun. In an interview with DFB.de, the 24-year-old defender discusses European qualification and her personal connection to Turkey.
DFB.de: Ms. Doorsoun, your mother comes from Turkey. Is the game in Istanbul a home game?
Sara Doorsoun: When I was invited to the squad I was very pleased to see we would be playing in Turkey. I have never played there before, and I’m looking forward to it.
DFB.de: Do you speak Turkish?
Doorsoun: Yes, but only with my grandmother in Turkey. We speak German at home, as my father comes from Iran. But I will understand the opposition players (laughs).
DFB.de: How strong is your bond to Turkey?
Doorsoun: I used to go there for every summer holiday, but as you get older you want to see other places too. I only go there for short holidays now - my grandmother has an apartment on the coast. Turkey is a beautiful country, and I have a lot of fond memories associated with it. It is the home country of my mother, and so of course I am excited to play there.
DFB.de: Did you ever consider playing for another team? You did have three options…
Doorsoun: I never even considered it. I have been playing for Germany since U15 level. I have one or two friends in the Turkey national team, but it was never a question for me - I was born here and have grown up here. Germany is my home, and Turkey the home country of my mother.
DFB.de: What sort of game are you expecting?
Doorsoun: I think they will sit fairly deep and try to make life as difficult as possible for us. We will have to be patient, and find solutions. It will also be important to keep moving and let the ball do the running.
DFB.de: How fired up is the Germany squad?
Doorsoun: Very much so! We have been together since Monday and have had multiple training sessions together. It’s always nice to meet up with the national side.
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Her father comes from Iran, her mother from Turkey, but she is a Germany international. When Silvia Neid’s side face Turkey in Istanbul on Friday (16:00 CEST), it will be a special game for Sara Doorsoun. In an interview with DFB.de, the 24-year-old defender discusses European qualification and her personal connection to Turkey.
DFB.de: Ms. Doorsoun, your mother comes from Turkey. Is the game in Istanbul a home game?
Sara Doorsoun: When I was invited to the squad I was very pleased to see we would be playing in Turkey. I have never played there before, and I’m looking forward to it.
DFB.de: Do you speak Turkish?
Doorsoun: Yes, but only with my grandmother in Turkey. We speak German at home, as my father comes from Iran. But I will understand the opposition players (laughs).
DFB.de: How strong is your bond to Turkey?
Doorsoun: I used to go there for every summer holiday, but as you get older you want to see other places too. I only go there for short holidays now - my grandmother has an apartment on the coast. Turkey is a beautiful country, and I have a lot of fond memories associated with it. It is the home country of my mother, and so of course I am excited to play there.
DFB.de: Did you ever consider playing for another team? You did have three options…
Doorsoun: I never even considered it. I have been playing for Germany since U15 level. I have one or two friends in the Turkey national team, but it was never a question for me - I was born here and have grown up here. Germany is my home, and Turkey the home country of my mother.
DFB.de: What sort of game are you expecting?
Doorsoun: I think they will sit fairly deep and try to make life as difficult as possible for us. We will have to be patient, and find solutions. It will also be important to keep moving and let the ball do the running.
DFB.de: How fired up is the Germany squad?
Doorsoun: Very much so! We have been together since Monday and have had multiple training sessions together. It’s always nice to meet up with the national side.
