Archives for September 2009

An hour after the final whistle in Helsinki, I sit at my laptop in the press box surrounded by confetti in the colours of Germany's black and gold.

Through my headphones I hear Kelly Smith's interview as it's being filed back to London, her words drowned out by the familiar sound of raucous, jubilant Germans. We've been here before. Two years ago, four years ago, etc.

So what's changed? Not much from a German point of view. Five European titles in a row, it's now 19 games without defeat against England. Not too much tweaking is required by them. But what, if anything, will this change for Hope Powell's side?

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"It's the best moment of the players' career. For some of them, it's the best moment of their lives. It's absolutely huge for us". Casey Stoney putting into words just what reaching a first major final means to this group of England players.

As for the Germans, their opponents in Thursday's European Championship final in Helsinki, it's not quite another day at the office, but they've been here so many times before. "We're a tournament team," says Germany legend Steffi Jones ahead of the match. She's not wrong.

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