Svenja Huth: “It just hurts. We gave our all for 120 minutes and didn’t let the 1-0 deficit deter us. Unfortunately, we didn’t reward ourselves. We have to let that sink in first. We’re still happy and proud that we reached so many people.”
Martina Voss-Tecklenburg, national coach: “We were close. But England withstood the pressure at home. Congratulations to the English women. Alexandra Popp would have triggered something in the opponents with her presence. But it just didn’t work. We are sad that we lost. We are in a process, it wasn’t quite enough. So we have to do a little bit more. We grow on games like this.”
Bernd Neuendorf, President of the German Football Association: “Our women’s national team did an excellent job of representing German football at the European Championships, and the final defeat in the sold-out Wembley Stadium against the great hosts from England doesn’t change that. Our players inspired the whole country, they were likeable, authentic and approachable, They exemplify real team spirit. This cohesion was also transferred to the pitch.”
Men’s national coach Hansi Flick: “I’m very sorry for Martina Voss-Tecklenburg and her entire team that they couldn’t crown their great performance with the title. But after the first disappointment, they can look back on this tournament with pride. With what passion and at the same time ease, joy of playing The team spirit and spirit that went through this tournament inspired me. That was outstanding on and off the pitch, the players were a tight-knit unit and could therefore only be defeated by the hosts in the final.”
Donata Hopfen, CEO of the German Football League: “Congratulations to national coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg and the entire team on a fantastic tournament! Number two in Europe – that’s the result of great performances in the past few weeks. It was a great pleasure to follow the games. The German women have a lot impressively demonstrated what is possible with passion, talent and an outstanding team spirit.”
DFB Director Oliver Bierhoff: “This great tournament by our team deserved winning the title as a worthy conclusion. Unfortunately, it wasn’t quite enough. In the DFB we have given our teams the motto: Back to the top of the world. Our team’s performances in England were excellent despite the defeat in the final Playing great until the end, this tournament will be a milestone in the development of women’s football in Germany. This performance by our national team gives the entire DFB extra motivation with a view to the men’s World Cup coming up at the end of the year.”
England’s winning goalscorer Chloe Kelly: “Oh my god, it’s amazing. Thank you to every single person who has supported us, it’s so unreal. That’s what dreams are made of. For a little girl who used to watch women’s football, it’s incredible.” England football legend Gary Lineker, to paraphrase his famous saying: “Football is a simple game. 22 women chase the ball for 90 minutes and in the end England actually wins.”
Heike Ullrich, DFB General Secretary: “It’s a shame that we didn’t manage to win the ninth European Championship today. Nevertheless, the team played an outstanding tournament and can be very proud of themselves. Our players triggered a huge wave of enthusiasm in Germany with their courageous and passionate manner. “
