Germany built around Bresonik

Since Linda Bresonik entered the international football stage on the eve of the 2001 UEFA European Women's Championship her career has been like a rollercoaster. Eight years on, she is a key figure in Germany's attempt to win a fifth consecutive continental title.

Long absence
Bresonik, a holding midfielder for Germany who can also play at full-back, made her debut on 10 May 2001 against Italy, and the following month won her fourth cap in the 3-0 defeat of England on her side's way to retaining the European Championship on home soil. However, after being part of the squad that won the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup she dropped out of the squad for more than three years, returning in January 2007.

Maturity
She has been a regular ever since and was a key part of the 2007 World Cup retention. Now, as she contemplates her second international meeting with Italy – Friday's UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2009™ quarter-final in Lahti – the 25-year-old is delighted to be a fixture once again. "I don't regret anything," Bresonik said. "I have been shaped by my past and I matured. Even in tough times I was always working hard to find my way back into the team. I was fortunate that [Germany coach] Silvia Neid called me up again."

Successful year
Indeed, Bresonik's career is now on a high, after having joined FCR 2001 Duisburg in 2008 and in her first season helped them to victory in the UEFA Women's Cup and German Cup. "We had a tremendous season," she said. "This success and the titles are really carrying me through the tournament here, in terms of my mood and positive approach."

Flexibility
Versatility is something Bresonik brings to any team. "I am a very flexible player, I could also play in right midfield, but I am really enjoying playing in a more central position," she said. "That's where you have a real impact, on how a game develops." Her impact is also off the pitch. "I have been part of the team for a long time and I notice that I have a good standing in the team," Bresonik added. "I've matured enormously and I have everything you need to lead a team. It's not by chance that the coach gave me the No10 shirt."

Football choice
Germany stormed through Group B with three groups wins and ten goals – including two from Bresonik which gave her the joint lead in the adidas Golden Boot award. So all in all it is just as well Bresonik was persuaded to concentrate on football. "I used to be a good tennis player and some were even trying to convince me that I should compete in the heptathlon," she said. "But I would get bored doing an individual sport, I prefer to shoot balls into the net with my team-mates."