DPA/Edmonton, Canada
Germany coach Silvia Neid has partly blamed a “catastrophic” physical state of her players for a modest fourth-place finish at the women’s World Cup.
Neid was responding to criticism from some Bundesliga coaches on the team’s showing at the tournament in Canada which ended Saturday when the world ranking leaders and two-time champions Germany lost the game for third place 1-0 against England.
“The players were in a catastrophic state when they joined us,” Neid said, looking back at the pre-tournament training camp.
“We had to see that we treat all ailments in such a way that the players could train. Then we went to Canada. Considering this we must be happy how far we got. But of course we have to look at the big picture as well, all of us.”
Wolfsburg coach Ralf Kellermann had criticised tactical deficits and Colin Bell from Champions League winners FFC Frankfurt late substitutions and lack of flexibility after Neid’s team lost the semi-final 2-0 against the United States.
Neid said she was “surprised” about the public criticism during the tournament, said the German federation had representatives at the tournament to look into new developments in the women’s game and that “all parties should work together in the development of our players.”
Germany scored no goal from the flow of play in their last three games in Canada after a strong group stage and a 4-1 over Sweden in the round of 16. They beat France on penalties in the quarter-finals, and their goal in regulation in that game was also from the spot. They did not score against the US and England.
“You can’t win if you don’t score,” said goalkeeper Nadine Angerer who ended her international career.
Neid will step down after 11 years at the helm after next year’s Olympic tournament in Rio de Janeiro, with Steffi Jones named her successor.
