Svenja Huth - These are her favorite players
With the start of the EM and fans behind them, Germany has turned into a real favorite for the final, says German footballer Svenja Huth (33) on the sidelines of an Amazon Ring press event. Huth announced her retirement from the Women's National Team in mid-March - after 88 international games and 14 goals for Germany, as well as a successful qualification for the upcoming Olympic Football Tournament in Paris.
Together with referee Harm Osmers (39), she discussed before the thrilling match between Austria and the Netherlands, among other things, the topic of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), which has already been used several times during the tournament. "I believe the VAR has its justification, but there is still improvement potential in terms of transparency," said the 33-year-old.
The referees at the EM seem to handle the VAR more confidently than in the Bundesliga. What do you think is the reason for that in your opinion?
Svenja Huth: To be honest, I haven't really noticed that yet. (laughs) I believe the VAR has its justification, but there is still improvement potential in terms of transparency. A few regulatory changes at the EM, such as only captains being able to speak with the referee, I consider a good step in the right direction - it might help the referee with the VAR as well.
Which additional scenes should, in your opinion, be reviewed by the video referee, for example, yellow cards or corners?
Huth: At the Amazon Ring event on the Video Assistant Referee in football and at home, Bundesliga referee Harm Osmers also explained the VAR again. He said that the VAR should intervene in exactly four situations. If we were to add yellow cards or corners to that, it would have a negative impact on the flow of the game. Football is and remains a sport with errors - from referees, referees, players, and coaches. And in my opinion, that's what makes it exciting.
Could you imagine starting a second career as a referee after your active footballing career?
Huth: I have great respect for all referees and think it's important to support the next generation. However, I don't think I'll be refereeing again after my active career. And that includes being a referee.
Currently, the big teams like France, Spain, Portugal, and Germany are dominating the scene at the EM. Is that a surprise or expected for you?
Huth: For Germany, the last few years have not been easy, and even though we were able to rekindle the fire for the National Team in the last few games, the men's team is not yet perfect. But we can see what an EM can do. France, Spain, and Portugal were expected, and I'm happy that teams like Austria have played a great group stage so far.
The German team is in the quarterfinals after good performances. Do they have what it takes to win the tournament?
Huth: The quality in the squad is certainly there to compete for the title. With the EM and fans behind them, Germany has turned into a real favorite for the final.
Which German player has impressed you the most so far?
Huth: It's hard to single out one player. Musiala and Wirtz are doing well, Füllkrug from the bench is incredibly strong. We don't need to talk about Toni Kroos. But I'm also happy for Ilkay Gündogan that he is finally getting the recognition he deserved long ago.
## How do you follow the EM? At home on the sofa, live in the stadium or at a Public Viewing?
Huth: It's a healthy mix of all. I was able to be there last week in Stuttgart for our game against Hungary. It was an incredible experience!
Some footballers are in use as experts at the Men's EM. How do you rate their comments?
Huth: I think it's good that we also have experts there and I know most of them very well. They're all doing great.
You have retired from the national team at the beginning of the year. Do nostalgic thoughts come to mind when you see the DFB Men's Team?
Huth: Of course I think back to my long time with the DFB very fondly. I was able to collect incredible experiences as a player and as a person. I'm grateful for that. Now I'm excited as a fan - of course for all national teams and looking forward to everything that's coming up for me.
Svenja Huth watched the European Championship as a fan, expressing her support for the DFB team. During the tournament, she reminisced about her own international career, having played for Germany in 88 games and scoring 14 goals. In March, she retired from the Women's National Team, qualifying for the upcoming Olympic Football Tournament in Paris.
At the Amazon Ring press event, Huth discussed the VAR with referee Harm Osmers, sharing her belief in its justification but expressing the need for improvement in transparency. She acknowledged the referees at the EM seem to handle the VAR more confidently than in the Bundesliga, attributing it to a few regulatory changes, such as only captains being able to speak with the referee.
Huth and Osmers agreed that additional situations like yellow cards or corners should not be reviewed by the VAR, as it would negatively impact the flow of the game. Huth expressed support for referees, urging the importance of supporting the next generation but not envisioning herself as a referee post-career.
Discussing the tournament so far, Huth believed that Germany had a chance to compete for the title, thanks to supportive fans and the team's quality. France, Spain, and Portugal were expected to dominate, while teams like Austria were pleasantly surprising.
Huth offered praise for different German players, including Toni Kroos, Musiala, Wirtz, and Ilkay Gündogan, citing their impressive performances at the tournament. As a fan, she had a mix of watching the EM at home, in the stadium, and at Public Viewings, enjoying every moment.
Reflecting on her retirement, Huth expressed nostalgic thoughts when seeing the DFB Men's Team, thankful for the incredible experiences and personal growth she experienced during her time with the team. She is now looking forward to enjoying the remainder of the tournament as a fan.
