A DFB goalkeeper feels a little
To the second opponent of the German women's football team, Ann-Katrin Berger cannot say anything, but in the opening game at the Olympics she managed to convince. The new starting goalkeeper is surprised by her promotion, as she admitted afterwards.
Ann-Katrin Berger made a deep impression after her promotion to the number 1 goalkeeper of the German women's football team. "Olympic Games, that means everything. That all the hard times behind me have paid off", said the 33-year-old after Germany's 3:0 win against Australia in Marseille. "That I kept going. It's nice that there's still a 'happy ending'. And now playing at the Olympics, was my 'happy ending'."
Berger was diagnosed with thyroid cancer for the first time in 2017 and then during the EM 2022, when she was a backup to Merle Frohms. Hrubesch signed the goalkeeper from the US club NJ/NY Gotham FC after a long waiting period and made her the number 1 - with the jersey number 12.
"I really thought he was joking with me. Honestly. I couldn't believe it at first. Not even until this morning. Even when I was on the pitch, I had to pinch myself and tell myself: It's really true." Berger made her twelfth international appearance on Thursday evening in Marseille. Until then, she had to fight for a place behind strong competitors - first Almuth Schult, then Merle Frohms.
Berger: "I don't watch that much women's football"
Berger and the entire team put in a very dominant performance and almost scored a goal with a long shot from Jule Brand in the early stages. On being asked how she managed to stay calm, she laughed: "Years of hard work. Years of hard work, people." She couldn't let her nerves get the better of her. "I always think about my team. Because if I mess up, then there's usually a goal."
Hrubesch had many complimentary words afterwards. Berger's strengths were evident against the fourth-placed team at the World Cup, Australia, said Hrubesch. Whether it was saves or controlling the penalty area: "She is a good footballer and a reliable goalkeeper."
The team with Berger will now face the United States in the second round of group play. The Americans also won their opening game against South Africa 3:0. However, Hrubesch cannot give Berger much advice for the next opponent: "I have no idea. I don't watch that much women's football, I have to admit."
Berger's impressive performance in the Olympics has earned her comparisons to Horst Hrubesch, a renowned German footballer, as she continues to excel in international matches. The Olympic Games 2024 in Paris presents an exciting opportunity for Berger and the women's football team to showcase their skills on a global stage.
Despite her success in women's football, Berger admits to not watching the sport as much, which may pose a challenge when facing stronger teams, such as the United States in future matches.
