Germany’s Alexandra Popp prioritises Euro 2022 win, but beating Mead to golden boot would be ‘nice’
- Seb Sternik
- 28 July 2022
Alexandra Popp scored a brace in the Euro 2022 semi-final as Germany beat France 2-1 to set up a Wembley final against England.
The two powerhouses will collide at the home of football on Sunday, with international glory at stake.
Germany are the most successful team in the history of the European Championship, having won the event a record eight times - including six of the last seven.
England, on the other hand, are yet to claim a Euro triumph, having reached the final in 1984 and 2009 but faced agonising defeats on both occasions.
One player who has been instrumental for Germany is striker Alexandra Popp. Speaking to UEFA after the semi-final victory over France, she said: "I can't put it into words.
"We played an amazing game and threw everything in. We are incredibly happy; nobody expected us [to do it]. We're in the final at Wembley against England - it doesn't get any better than that.
"We earned our self-confidence in all the games. The team is just great; they have my back and are happy with me after my whole story of suffering [through injury]. Now it's time to regenerate quickly."
The battle between England and Germany is set to be a historic one, but there is also the small matter of the golden boot, which is yet to be settled.
Both Popp and England's Beth Mead currently lead the way on six goals each heading into Sunday's showpiece.
Despite being so close to the golden boot, the German forward admitted that her priority is firmly on the result.
She said: "It's not my priority; my priority is to win the Euro. If I have the chance to crown the title with that achievement, it would be nice - but if it doesn't happen, then I'll still be happy."
