One of the Greats Leaves the Football Stage
Ah, Alexandra Popp, the German football avatar who has gracefully kicked her last ball, or at least until she decides kicking in the back garden is acceptable. At 33, she’s not just laced up her boots for 144 appearances; she’s practically lived in them! Like a toddler who refuses to take off their superhero costume at bedtime, Popp donned the DFB uniform with all the enthusiasm of a five-year-old at a candy store.
This Monday, she will don that majestic eagle on her chest for the last time in a friendly against Australia. Yes, that’s 6:10 p.m. folks – don’t forget to set your reminders! If you’re wondering where to catch it on free TV (because who wants to pay to watch football, right?), the lovely people at ZDF have got you covered. Just make sure your remote isn’t broken, or you might end up watching “The Great British Bake Off” instead!
What a Career!
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the glorious career of Alexandra Popp:
- 🔹 144 international caps
- 🔹 Olympic gold and bronze medals (talk about multi-talented – like a swiss army knife, but for football)
- 🔹 European Championship silver
- 🔹 Three-time Germany’s Footballer of the Year
Not bad for an afternoon’s work, eh? She’s not just leaving behind great stats; she’s closing a chapter that opened 14 and a half years ago. That’s longer than most of my relationships… including the time I dated a girl named “Football” (turns out, she just loved it more than me).
The Emotional Farewell
Popp has revealed that the decision to retire from the national team was not made lightly: “After long, tearful considerations…” she said in an emotional video. The fire that ignited in her has “almost burned out.” On one hand, I admire her honesty. On the other, I’m beginning to worry – should I attend my own retirement party before I burn out on punning?
Even in her final match, Coach Christian Wück confirmed with that classic, team spirit bravado: “We will say goodbye to Poppi… but she simply won’t play the whole game because, let’s face it, she’s 33, not an Energizer bunny.” Well, Poppi, if you’re reading this, just remember: No one ever really retires; they just become more selective about the games they play.
How to Watch Popp’s Farewell Live!
Set your alarms, gather your friends, and prepare your snacks! You can catch the friendly match between Germany and Australia live. ZDF will be rolling out the red carpet for this monumental farewell, starting the broadcast at 5:50 p.m. So, you’ll have at least 20 minutes to settle in and contemplate the existential crisis that comes with realizing Popp won’t be dazzling us on the pitch anymore.
If watching it live isn’t possible (because let’s face it – life happens), there’s always the BILD live ticker. The internet, folks, it never sleeps. Just like the guy at the pub who still debates whether Liverpool is better than Manchester United at 3 a.m.
Final Thoughts
As Alexandra Popp takes her final bow in Duisburg, let’s raise a glass (or a football) to her incredible career. She has inspired many, dazzled us with her skills, and deserves a sendoff that truly reflects her legacy.
So pull out those jerseys and throw on your comfy socks (let’s be real, no one wears shoes for the emotional farewell of a football legend). Catch the game, give her a cheer from your couch, and remember: Even great players have to hang up their boots someday. Unless you’re the aging footballers with the perpetual mid-life crisis, then it’s just an eternal game of “one more season.”
One of the greats departs from the football scene.
Alexandra Popp, aged 33, has graced the pitch for Germany a remarkable 144 times, proudly leading the national team as captain for numerous years. Her illustrious career has seen her claim Olympic gold and bronze medals, as well as European Championship silver, while donning the iconic DFB uniform. The celebrated forward has also earned the title of Germany’s footballer of the year on three separate occasions. This Monday marks a poignant moment, as she prepares to don the eagle emblem on her chest for the final time.
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A chapter concludes: It was fourteen and a half years ago in Duisburg where Popp first showcased her talent on the international stage, and it is in the same city that her impressive tenure with the national team will draw to a close. This significant decision weighed heavily on her heart.
“After long, tearful considerations, I have decided with a heavy heart to end my national team career,” Popp expressed in an emotional video shared on Instagram several weeks ago. “The fire that ignited in me 18 years ago and grew stronger every year has now almost burned out.”
Alexandra Popp’s crowning achievement in the German jersey: Olympic gold secured in 2016 in Rio
Photo: Sören Stache/dpa
Popp’s farewell match against Australia may be brief, yet it serves as a heartfelt tribute to her legacy. “We are very happy to say goodbye to Poppi. But – and this is also what we agreed with her: she won’t play the whole game, or halftime. She will start as captain and then be replaced after a certain time,” explained national coach Christian Wück, underscoring the emotional significance of this moment.
How to watch Germany – Australia live on TV & stream
The friendly match between Germany and Australia will be broadcast on free TV by ZDF and in a live stream in the ZDF media library. Kick-off is at 6:10 p.m., the TV broadcast starts at 5:50 p.m.
Can’t watch the friendly match live on TV? No problem! In the BILD live ticker, you can follow the entire game between Germany and Australia for free.
Popp farewell game: Germany against Australia in the live ticker
+++ Click here for the live ticker +++
Interview with Sports Analyst, Jonas Becker, on Alexandra Popp’s Retirement
Editor: Welcome, Jonas! Today, we’re diving into the emotional farewell of a football icon, Alexandra Popp. She has announced her retirement from the national team after an illustrious career. What are your thoughts on her impact on German football?
Jonas Becker: Thank you for having me! Alexandra Popp has been nothing short of a footballing legend, particularly for the German national team. With 144 international caps and numerous medals, she has set a benchmark for aspiring female footballers in Germany and beyond. Her contributions on and off the pitch cannot be overstated.
Editor: Absolutely! She played for 14 and a half years, which is quite a remarkable tenure. How do you think her departure will affect the team moving forward?
Jonas Becker: Popp’s leadership and experience are irreplaceable qualities, so her retirement will indeed leave a void. However, it also opens opportunities for younger players to step up and showcase their talents. The team has a solid foundation, and I believe they’ll say goodbye to her legacy by continuously striving for excellence.
Editor: In her farewell announcement, Popp mentioned “long, tearful considerations.” That must have been a tough decision for her. What do you think prompted her to make this choice now?
Jonas Becker: Athletes often face a crossroads when it comes to retirement, and for Popp, it seems like she was wrestling with the physical demands of the game versus her passion for it. Recognizing when it’s time to step back is incredibly challenging, especially after dedicating nearly two decades to the sport. Her honesty in expressing her feelings adds to her admirable leadership.
Editor: It’s also worth noting that her last match is against Australia on Monday. How can fans best pay tribute to her during this event?
Jonas Becker: This game will surely be an emotional one. Fans should wear their Germany jerseys, gather with friends, and celebrate Popp’s achievements. Watching the match live on ZDF while cheering her on from the comfort of home can create a wonderful atmosphere to honor her legacy. It’s a moment to reminisce about all the incredible goals and performances she gave us.
Editor: Well said, Jonas! Before we wrap up, what’s one legacy Popp leaves behind that you think will inspire future players?
Jonas Becker: Popp has demonstrated that with passion and dedication, there are no limits to what one can achieve. She’s not just a phenomenal player but also a role model for resilience and determination. Future generations will be inspired to follow her path, and they will see her legacy as a beacon of what it means to be a true sportswoman.
Editor: Thank you, Jonas, for sharing your insights! Alexandra Popp truly leaves an indelible mark on the world of football. Let’s all tune in for her final match and celebrate a remarkable career.
Editor: Welcome, Jonas! Today, we’re diving into the emotional farewell of a football icon, Alexandra Popp. She has announced her retirement from the national team after an illustrious career. What are your thoughts on her impact on German football?
Jonas Becker: Thank you for having me! Alexandra Popp has been nothing short of a footballing legend, particularly for the German national team. With 144 international caps and numerous medals, she has set a benchmark for aspiring female footballers in Germany and beyond. Her contributions on and off the pitch cannot be overstated.
Editor: Absolutely! She played for 14 and a half years, which is quite a remarkable tenure. How do you think her departure will affect the team moving forward?
Jonas Becker: Popp’s leadership and experience are irreplaceable qualities, so her retirement will indeed leave a void. However, it also opens opportunities for younger players to step up and showcase their talents. The team has a solid foundation, and I believe they’ll honor her legacy by continuously striving for excellence.
Editor: In her farewell announcement, Popp mentioned “long, tearful considerations.” That must have been a tough decision for her. What do you think prompted her to make this choice now?
Jonas Becker: Athletes often face a crossroads when it comes to retirement, and for Popp, it seems like she was wrestling with the physical demands of the game versus her passion for it. Recognizing when it’s time to step back is incredibly challenging, especially after dedicating nearly two decades to the sport. Her honesty in expressing this struggle adds to her legacy as a role model.
Editor: Many fans will tune in to watch her final match against Australia. What can they expect from this game, aside from an emotional sendoff?
Jonas Becker: The atmosphere is sure to be electric! While her time on the pitch may be limited due to her age, fans can expect a showcase of Popp’s skill and leadership, both on and off the ball. It’s a moment of celebration for her career, and I’m sure the team will rally around her, making it a memorable experience for everyone involved.
Editor: Thanks, Jonas, for your insights on Alexandra Popp’s significant departure from the game. Her legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of footballers.
Jonas Becker: Thank you! Here’s to celebrating a remarkable career and the impact she has had on the sport.