Published on : 28/07/2022 – 15:38
Paris (AFP) – A match in the match: the German Alexandra Popp and the English Beth Mead, co-top scorers of Euro-2022, present themselves as the main asset of their selection before the final on Sunday at Wembley, which they each hope conclude on a high note.
“Poppi madness” headlined the German daily Bild, the day following the double once morest France (2-1) of “Poppi”, his nickname in Germany, which propelled the Frauen-Nationalmannschaft into the final. With a powerful strike and an angry head, the one who had previously missed two European championships because of injuries, is in the process of taking revenge on the past at the age of 31.
“I’m a little more moved than I always have been, because I know how far I’ve come,” she told Bild following the meeting.
For the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet, Popp is “on the way to becoming the great queen of the Euro”.
But, on Sunday, a great challenge presents itself to her and Germany with the English as opponents, so far unsinkable in front of their public, and in search of a first major international title at Wembley. The “Lionesses” can count on Mead, another gem of the competition, who Popp joined as the top scorer in the competition with six goals.
On Tuesday, Mead, like the German artificer, showed the way to the “Lionesses” by opening the scoring in the 34th minute with a pivoting half-volley once morest the Swedes who were finally swept away 4-0.
With this sixth goal, to which are added 5 assists, Mead was the first to equal the record for a player during a Euro, established by the German Inka Grings in 2009.
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“Scintillating. A thorn in the side of Hanna Glas”, the Swedish defender, then underlined The Guardian who gave her a score of 8 out of 10 following her performance.
“Beth Mead has proven that it really is her world and that we all live in it,” wrote Eurosport UK.
Asked by the English media following the semi-final, his father Richard Mead did not hide his pride.
“As parents you see other people being interviewed…and you think it must be a fantastic experience to be the parent of someone who is so successful. You would never dream of be in this situation, but here we are”.
“Meado the enraged”, her nickname, had been excluded from the Tokyo Games in 2021, judged in particular as “too aggressive” in her way of playing.
Mead hat-trick once morest Norway
“I was not well last summer,” the 27-year-old told the Telegraph, who assumes to play her “best football when I’m upset”.
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His frustration then turned into positive rage, symbolized by an exceptional season with Arsenal (33 goals or assists) and an already successful Euro.
Scoring 5 goals in the first three matches, including a hat-trick in the 8-0 slap inflicted on Norway, Mead scored in every game of the group stage. A performance also achieved … by Popp who for his part scored in all matches.
During a final face to face, the two attackers might therefore well decide, in order to win the golden shoe of the competition.
“We would like her to win it,” Ben Mead said of his sister on Wednesday, “Alexandra Popp is right behind her. Anything can happen, but as Beth always says, the important thing is to score for the team. Everything the rest is bonus”.
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The main thing, for the two scorers, is indeed to win the Euro for the first time.
© 2022 AFP