It was a sharp farewell in football terms. The German national team’s illustrious and historic career came to an end when Alexandra Popp was substituted off for the final time after just a quarter of an hour against Australia.
“It was a bit short,” Popp remarked following Monday’s game. “I was watching the time on the clock and thought, ‘Oh no, it is up already!'”
Her brief appearance was prearranged with coach Christian Wück, who had tried to downplay the evening’s emotional elements before the game.
He had stated on Friday, “All this talk about a goodbye game is getting a bit much for me.”Wück was eager to focus on the future and test and improve the post-Popp squad after coaching Germany for the first time in front of a home crowd on Monday.
Popp bids her fans farewell
Wück did not get what he wanted if he wanted to keep everything about football. However, he gave Popp hers. She did, as the striker had hoped, enjoy her farewell. Popp remarked, “I am really thankful that I got to spend that time on the field today, to experience and enjoy it.” “I am happy that I was able to properly bid farewell to all of the supporters here in the stadium as well as to everyone at home.” No matter how briefly she appeared, Popp was the main focus of Monday night. Merle Frohms and Marina Hegering, two more veterans who had retired from international football, were there to take a break. Popp received the honor of a final cap, despite the fact that all three were thanked prior to kickoff. It was evidence of her prominence and the extent of her contributions to Germany.
An inspiration in women’s football
Sara, a devoted fan of the Germany women’s team, said, “She has an incredible mentality as a player and has always been a role model.” “She embodies those qualities in a way that is uncommon.” “She has played a very special role, as she has been instrumental in the development and expansion of the women’s game in recent years,” she continued. “I believe she has had a significant influence on all of that.” Popp made her debut for the German national team here in Duisburg, and she ended her international career here after 145 games, 67 goals, and many highs and lows. Popp thanked her many devoted fans on the field for a good forty-five minutes at the end of the game.
Emotional evening
Germany’s final 2-1 loss to Australia was essentially irrelevant to the majority of the 26,262 spectators inside the MSV Arena. Above all, this friendly was a chance for them to express their appreciation and affection for a legendary figure in German football. Before the game, Franzi, another seasoned fan of Germany’s women, remarked, “I think that speaks for itself when you see how many people are walking around in Alex Popp kits.” “You have never truly loved women’s football if you do not cry in there tonight.”
Popp’s eyes were definitely not among the few that remained dry. She thought about how she wanted to be remembered as a Germany player in a tearful post-match interview. Popp remarked, “I believe that I motivate the girls in the manner that I am frequently portrayed, with my mindset on the field, but also with a certain modesty.” “That is a really positive and grateful way to be thought of.” Hundreds of fans remained outside the stadium as the Germany bus left long after full time. After an hour and a half of waiting, they finally got to wave at tinted windows and say goodbye to their heroine. Based on their dedication and their cacophony, Popp will undoubtedly be remembered with fondness.
