Da Mbabi basks in big occasion
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Article summary
Germany striker Célia Okoyino da Mbabi's maverick spirit has proved a boon for her team and she said of Thursday's decider against England: "It's my first big final and I'm really excited."
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Germany forward Célia Okoyino da Mbabi is unpredictable: and not just on the pitch
Belief
"I stole some socks from my sister to wear under my football socks," she told a startled press conference in Helsinki. "I have to give them back after the tournament." That irrepressible spirit has helped Germany to the UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2009™ final, most notably when the substitute headed her side ahead in the 3-1 last-four defeat of Norway on Monday. "We always knew that we could still beat them, if necessary after 120 minutes, as we know we've worked hard preparing for this tournament," Da Mbabi added.
'First big final'
The 21-year-old, who was handing out water bottles to her team-mates before the semi but was introduced to superb effect at half-time, is thrilled to be preparing for the first major final of her senior career − Thursday's showpiece against England in Helsinki. "It's very special for me to have reached this final as we were eliminated in the semi-finals of the Olympics," Da Mbabi said. "It's going to be my first big final, I am really excited." She added: "For England it would be probably the biggest thing to beat Germany in a final, they will do everything to beat us, we have to be aware of that."
Enjoying the atmosphere
Da Mbabi, who overcame two years of injury problems plus a bout of glandular fever a few months ago to take her place in the squad, is enjoying the atmosphere in the German camp as they aim for a fifth straight title dating back to 1995. "As a young player you immediately get a warm welcome and you don't have any problems being accepted," said Da Mbabi. "It doesn't matter if you are young or old. For lunch and dinner you have always a different team-mate sitting next to you. I have been part of the team for four or five years, I feel extremely good."
Psychological advantage
The daughter of a French mother and a Cameroonian father is confident that Germany have a slight advantage over England, aiming for their first major title against six-time European champions and double FIFA Women's World Cup winners. "It was psychologically important that we were able to come from behind in the semi-final and though we had a bad first half, we were able change it in the second half and win the game," continued Da Mbabi. "That gives us another boost of confidence and I really want to win this title."
