Women’s Euro 2025 | Rebecca Knaak lauds “insane” accomplishments of makeshift German defense

1

German defender Rebecca Knaak received her chance on the crucial play that led to Germany’s elimination from the UEFA Women’s European Championship on Wednesday evening, The DFB centre-back – a surprise starter in Chrisitian Wück’s team – played her role in the scene. Unfortunately for the Manchester City professional, an otherwise great game got erased. 

Questions about Knaak’s pace cropped up from time-to-time, but the 29-year-old still contributed more than her fair share of vital tackles. Knaak could hardly be expected to react with lightning quick reflexes when a deflected Sydney Lohmann clearance landed at the feet of Athenea del Castillo.

Aitana Bonmati initially didn’t latch onto del Castillo’s through ball, cleverly duping all the Germans with a leave. No one was quite prepared for what the two-time female Ballon d’or winner would do next. 

“I noticed that the ball was played deep,” Knaak remarked in the mixed zone. “I was just trying to track as I thought she would cross. I didn’t foresee that she would shoot. I didn’t see it go in. I just know that it was tight.

“Ann absolutely shouldn’t be sorry,” Knaak later said when asked if Berger had steered her wrong by signaling to her centre-backs that Bonmati was about to cross. “What she’s accomplished in this tournament is amazing.”

Knaak also commented on the general state of Germany’s defensive line. Once again, an inexperienced back-four truly delivered. Sophia Kleinherne turned in an incredible performance in central defense before she too had to exit injured. Captain Janina Minge slid back once again after Kleinherne’s exit.

“Today showed that we’re on the right track,” Knaak noted in response to a general question about the state of the national team. “We showed once again that we could play with even more courage and confidence against Spain. We defended and also made our mark in attack.”

“This team is incredible,” Knaak concluded. “When one saw what [inexperienced fullbacks] Carlotta Wamser and Franziska Kett accomplished against world class players. That’s insane. I’m so proud of those girls. Something is definitely developing here.“

GGFN | Peter Weis