FIFA WWC 2023: Germany can learn from previous heartbreak, Schuller says ahead of World Cup

Germany’s last international title, apart from Olympic gold in 2016, is now a decade old, and its 2022 runner-up spot to England at the European Championship is its best result since 2013.

Published : Jul 16, 2023 11:31 IST - 2 MINS READ

FILE PHOTO: Lea Schuller of Germany shoots during the international friendly match between Germany Women’s and France Women’s at Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion.
FILE PHOTO: Lea Schuller of Germany shoots during the international friendly match between Germany Women’s and France Women’s at Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion. | Photo Credit: Thomas Eisenhuth/ Getty Images
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FILE PHOTO: Lea Schuller of Germany shoots during the international friendly match between Germany Women’s and France Women’s at Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion. | Photo Credit: Thomas Eisenhuth/ Getty Images

Forward Lea Schuller said she is confident two-time champions Germany can learn from the setbacks it faced at the last Women’s World Cup and European Championship as it aims to make a deep run at the showpiece event in Australia and New Zealand this month.

Germany dominated every European Championship from 1995 to 2013 with a record eight crowns, having also won consecutive World Cups in 2003 and 2007.

But its last international title, apart from Olympic gold in 2016, is now a decade old, and its 2022 runner-up spot to England at the European Championship is its best result since 2013.

Read More: Germany great Popp chases women’s World Cup glory to cap remarkable career

“I think after the European Championships we need to show that we aren’t just top in Europe, but in the whole world. I think that we can do it,” Schuller, who plays for Bayern Munich in the Frauen-Bundesliga, said in an interview posted on FIFA’s website.

The Germans, who reached the quarter-finals at the 2019 World Cup, have been drawn to face South Korea, Morocco and Colombia in the group phase, and Schuller is optimistic that her team can overcome all of their opponents.

“I think we can still beat all the teams... The best we can do is to think from game to game, like we did in the European Championships. That helped us, so because of that, I’m looking forward to the first games,” she said.

When asked about captain and two-time German footballer of the year Alexandra Popp, Schuller said she would like to play alongside her more.

“We both play in the same position. And then it’s just like I’m usually substituted for her or the other way around,” Schuller added.

“She’s someone who can get the whole team behind her, so to speak. When she runs forward, then it does something to the team. Or when she runs and somehow gets the ball, that’s what makes a leader.”

Germany will kick off their Group H campaign against Morocco on July 24.

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