Popp savours starring role at Euros

Milton Keynes – Germany captain Alexandra Popp said she is savouring a starring role at Euro 2022 all the more following years of injury struggles after scoring twice beat France 2-1 in Wednesday’s semifinal.

Popp’s side will face hosts England in front of an expected record crowd for a women’s Euro match of 87 000 at Wembley on Sunday.

Just making it to the Euro was a success for the Wolfsburg striker after missing the two previous European Championships through injury.

The 31-year-old battled back from two knee surgeries in the past 15 months to make the tournament and has exploded in England with six goals in five games.

“I am enjoying these moments a lot more. I enjoy football a lot more,” said Popp after setting a new record by becoming the first woman to score in five consecutive women’s Euro matches.

“It doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy it before, but it became a bit pedestrian. Now to have the moments on the pitch, I really value that a lot.

“It makes it very special to be here with such a performance individually, but also as a team being so successful.”

Popp’s double also took her level with England’s Beth Mead on six goals in the battle for the Golden Boot, matching the record for a single women’s European Championship held by Inka Grings from Euro 2009.

That tournament ended in a German rout over England in the final and Die Nationalelf will be hoping for a repeat as they aim to upset the hosts.

“England versus Germany is a classic,” said German boss Martina Voss-Tecklenburg.

“We will play at Wembley in front of 80 or 90 000 people. Most will be supporting England but we accept the challenge.”

In contrast to Germany’s pedigree as eight-time winners of the women’s Euro, France were in the last four for the first time. –