Dhe German football chronicle almost had another triumph story added to it. The performance of the team headed by national coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg played a major role in making the European Championships such an entertaining experience over the past few weeks. Only in the final at Wembley, the ceremonial conclusion of this successful event, did they meet an opponent in England who was superior to them tactically, physically and mentally in nuances.
With a better overview of the occupancy of the penalty area, higher shooting accuracy and less bad luck with injuries and corona problems, the DFB selection should not have looked so sad at the victory ceremony. But for disappointment, understandable as it is at the moment, there is no reason beyond the first moments of pain. The second place also adds shine to her appearance.
It was a pleasure to see the courage of the Germans when they saw their chance. It would be too easy to describe what Voss-Tecklenburg and her staff of supervisors, who she was able to recruit from the men’s national team for the first time as a sign of the new community spirit, to call a summer fairy tale.
The results were not inexplicable: they result from clever planning and structured work, which allowed the team to develop a belief in their own strengths. Like a machine in which every little cog fits into the other to get the big wheel going, the different temperaments in the black and white national jersey came together to form a unit that only failed on the English lionesses, who – carried by a wave of fan enthusiasm – developed even more power.
No one on the Voss-Tecklenburg team was looking to shine alone. Everyone was committed to the big picture. “Made in Germany” has not been a seal of quality at important women’s tournaments since the 2016 Olympics. The national coach and her players have changed that in a way that is worth seeing. Associations and clubs can now show that they have learned from the shortcomings of the past.
Pictures of the EM final
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The English fairy tale comes true
More than ten years ago, around the home World Cup in 2011, when the Germans last met with so much public resonance, the officials believed that without much effort, progress would be made by itself. A fatal error that limited women’s football in this country in its development. Now there is a chance that the shade plant will receive more light – so that it can take root and grow vigorously.
If the key strategists now live up to their responsibilities off the field, this highlight can be followed by further steps back to its former importance in a competitive environment that has become much broader. Voss-Tecklenburg remained optimistic over three years despite recurring difficulties, which proved justified as London saw the potential there is given the time and support.
The fact that the former striker should extend her contract in the long term is a good signal. With all the energy she exudes, Voss-Tecklenburg will not be able to do it alone. Last but not least, this European Championship with significant German participation has shown one thing anew: In football, great things can be achieved above all with team play.
