Germany is looking to retain the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup but know it won’t be easy with the high level of competition put up by the other teams.
Germany coach Maren Meinert admitted that it’s not going to be an easy task because all teams came well prepared.
Meinert said they will take one game at a time and stay focused in order to win the tournament.
After defeating Venezuela 3-1 at their first match on Monday, Meinert said that she expected exactly the type of challenge put up by Venezuela because she knew they can play very good football.
The coach revealed that even though they’re the defending champions, they’re still a new team with different players compared to the last World Cup in Canada 2014.
“With three points on our side, we aim to maintain momentum in our two next games.
‘The next opponent is always the biggest threat for us because all the teams are very good.”
Meinert confirmed that Lea Schueller face injury after she was hit on the head by her Venezuela opponent in the 54th minute of play,
“We hope that it’s not too bad but it doesn’t look too good so we will see as it’s always tough to face injuries.”
Meantime, Meinert added that obviously like the other teams, her players are settling in very well and have adapted to the climate.
Madeline Gier, who scored two goals for Germany in the opening match, received the Player of the Match and said she was very proud for the team for the victory as it was a hard and difficult game.
“We did great and we’re very positive for the second match against Mexico,” Gier said.
The reigning champions next face Mexico in Group D on 17 November, while Venezuela meet Korea Republic.