- "Machine in the gate": Cheers for Ann-Katrin Berger
Germany's women's football team enthusiastically celebrated Ann-Katrin Berger after qualifying for the Olympic tournament semifinals. "In a nutshell, she's quite a cool customer," said DFB sports director Nia Künzer about the 33-year-old goalkeeper. Berger saved two penalties against Canada in Marseille in the Olympic quarterfinal, which ended in a scoreless draw and extra time, and scored the decisive penalty to secure a 4:2 victory.
"Anyone who knows Anne knows she can shoot, that she can take penalties. She was one of the first on our list," said coach Horst Hrubesch. "Even Manuel Neuer has had to step up and take a penalty, no problem."
Chance for revenge against the USA
The dream of a medal for the German women's team lives on after their hard-fought victory against the Tokyo Olympic champions. However, in the semifinals, they will face the USA, who defeated the German team 4:1 in the group stage.
"She's a machine in goal," said captain Alexandra Popp on ZDF. "And the fact that she then calmly scores the winner herself - hats off to that, it's impressive how cold-blooded she is."
Hrubesch: "Save the balls"
Berger herself, who plays for the US club NJ/NY Gotham FC, almost saved a third penalty, but the ball trickled in under her body. Hrubesch playfully scolded the goalkeeper for not saving all three penalties. "He gave me a hard time for not saving the third penalty. He always teases me: 'Save the balls,' he says," Berger laughed and joked, "I didn't want to save it because I also wanted to score."
It was the first penalty Berger had ever taken in a match, according to her own account. "It was a cool feeling, it was fun," she commented on her spectacular performance. Berger was appointed the number one goalkeeper for the Olympics by Hrubesch, replacing long-time starter Merle Frohms.
The Commission commended Berger's outstanding performance during the Olympic quarterfinals, recognizing her crucial role in securing the semifinals spot for the German women's team. In preparing for the semifinals against the USA, Coach Hrubesch emphasized the importance of Berger's psychological strength, citing her ability to remain calm under pressure.
