Berger thanks Hrubesch for believing in her: “I hope I made him proud today.”

Tears. Exultation. Frantic celebratory scenes broadcast across the globe. Once all of the post-match mayhem settled down after Germany’s bronze medal winning performance in Lyon on Saturday afternoon, most of the actors associated with the German women’s national team still hadn’t gotten their emotions properly regulated. Goal-scorer Giulia Gwinn still had tears in her eyes. 

“We gave it everything we had,” the 25-year-old told German public broadcaster ARD, “That’s why tears began to flow. It’s been an emotional rollercoaster. We’re really happy for the coach [retiring German national team trainer Horst Hrubesch]. He receives a farewell present, though we gave ourselves the biggest present.” 

Squad captain Alexandra Popp – back in the starting XI after having to sit the semi-final out with an exhaustion-inducedcold – called Friday’s win an “unrivaled thriller”. Popp was the first one to be asked about the Ann-Katrin Berger’s dramatic late penalty save. The 33-year-old veteran – only installed as the team’s #1 at the beginning of this tournament – somehow found a way to outdo her two penalty saves and conversion from the quarterfinals.

“When the penalty was confirmed, I just thought ‘I hope Anne has it in her’,” Popp said, “It’s unbelievable. She’s an absolute penalty-killer.” 

Berger herself made certain to pay tribute to retiring 73-year-old Bundestrainer Hrubesch. It was the German footballing legend who opted to start her in place of long-time #1 net-minder Merle Frohms after Frohms had a poor match in a pre-tournament qualifier and Berger starred in the subsequent one. After Hrubesch had his turn to wax sentimental about exciting on a high note, it was Berger’s turn to praise him. 

‘”I owe everything to him [Hrubesch],” Berger noted in her post-match interview, “He was the only one who still believed in me after a long time. It’s a wonderful feeling to have a coach believe in you like that. I hope I’ve made him proud today.”