Football European Championships-Giovanna Hoffmann before EM game against Spain: “We can do it”

The quarter -finals against France was a real drama. Can you actually sleep after such a game?

No. That didn’t work that night. At some point the sun opened and I still had no eye. I had so much adrenaline in my body. Many of us felt that. It was the most strenuous game of my career – by far. Sleep is the most important thing for regeneration.

What did you think after the red card against Kathrin Hendrich?

After the red card and the 0: 1 I looked at the clock and thought that there was still a long time to play. (laughs) But we came together in a circle and discussed how we continue to play tactically. Then we looked into our eyes and said: “No matter what happens today: we can do it.” And we often said that in the game.

How does the lack of Sjoeke Nüsken, Kathrin Hendrich and Sarai Linder work on Wednesday in the semi -finals against Spain?

Resistances do not throw us back, but make us even stronger. We have a high resilience in the team. Each player is able to take responsibility. In a semi -finals we all have to grow beyond ourselves.

Interview

Imago/Fantini

Hoffmann Before the European Championships of the European Championship against Spain, a starting space in the DFB team fought against Spain this Wednesday. For national coach Christian Wück, the 26-year-old from RB Leipzig embodies all the virtues that a center striker needs. Before her twelfth international match, the native of Bremerhaven talks about the European Championship, the German team, the opponents and their faith.

Your opponent Irene Paredes is One of the world’s best defenders who can also hand out properly.

I don’t know how many melee I have led against France. Now Spain comes – the game will be combative at a similar level. Similar virtues will be important as in the quarter -finals. Hopefully we will stay with the eleventh so that more playful is important. (laughs)

For them it was a long way to the German national team.

I’ve been playing in the Bundesliga since 2016. That is a long time. I no longer had the national team on the note. For me it was about enjoying football again and playing constant. The fact that it worked after such a long time is of course nice, but the paths are different.

For a first nomination last year, however, Christian Wück had to be a national coach.

Yes, but that also means that you are in the right place at the right time – and that you have people who trust you.

And now you are the center forward of the German national team at the European Championship.

I didn’t expect to play at the European Championship at all. I knew my role. The game against France has proven that everything we said before were not just phrases that every player is needed. In front of a Franziska Kett I pull all the hats that she performs such a performance. Or what Sophia Kleinhernen tore down after a few minutes.

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There is a picture of them after the penalty shootout, as they kneel with spread arms. They are very religious.

It was a very personal moment for me: we didn’t just win a football game. Living with God means experiencing together every day. If you get such a great gift to be able to play in such a game with such a positive outcome: I got on my knees with gratitude.

Do you have the Bible in luggage?

Yes, I have it and read it. For me, being believed means to believe what is in the Bible. I made the decision that this should be part of my life, that this is my life.

They have been playing in Leipzig since summer 2024. How big is the temptation to take the next step?

I have another year with RB Leipzig and currently do not deal with a change. Now the tournament is important. My consultant can only call me to congratulate me. (laughs)

Was Is the dream job After the football career?

So far I have always been sure that I want to become a judge or prosecutor. That is the wish, but let’s see what is still happening in the legal world.

How does it look dem Study?

I studied law from 2016 until the first state examination 2021, for the second I still lack the legal clerkship. But this is currently not possible due to football. That’s why I took a break. In my time at SC Freiburg I worked there at the university, at the Chair of Criminal Law. Since I’ve been in Leipzig, I have no secondary activity because it is not possible in time. But at some point I will hopefully make my legal clerkship.