The three touches that broke a million hearts

The USA v. Germany semi-final at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2003 was one of the best matches in the history of women’s football. Our collection contains the tactical notes of Germany coach Tina Theune that proved crucial to her team’s triumph, breaking American hearts in the process.

In just three touches – firstly to control the ball, then to draw the keeper and finally to slot home – Birgit Prinz sealed Germany’s victory over the USA in their FIFA Women’s World Cup 2003 semi-final. By putting her team 3-0 up in stoppage time, Germany’s most capped player and record goalscorer emphatically put paid to any hopes the Americans had of a late comeback and of retaining their title on home turf. A week later, the USA’s conquerors would go on to claim their first Women’s World Cup. That semi-final would live long in the memory of those that witnessed it, and indeed, many still consider it the best women’s football match of all time.

Original tactical notes by Germany coach Tina Theune before the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2003 semi-final against the USA. © FIFA Museum
Original tactical notes by Germany coach Tina Theune before the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2003 semi-final against the USA. © FIFA Museum - Click to enlarge

German defence versus US attack
Germany’s success was founded on the tactical nous of coach Tina Theune, who knew that the tournament hosts, starting the contest as slight favourites, possessed a potent attack. The reigning world champions were playing in their own backyard and naturally had no intention of surrendering their title. Theune thus selected a solid back four endowed with a determined “thou shalt not pass” mindset. These stalwarts would be shielded by two holding midfielders tasked with dominating the middle third. In the event of the opposition managing to break into the box, they would have goalkeeper Silke Rottenberg to contend with.

And Rottenberg happened to be in the form of her life. When the German backline proved unequal to the intense pressure applied by the US forwards in the first half, Rottenberg stood firm by making save after save to maintain parity. It was somewhat against the run of play, then, that Germany took the lead in the 15th minute, when Kerstin Garefrekes headed in from a corner. This shock opener did not alter the pattern of the game, however, as the Americans continued to lay siege to Germany’s goal, only to find Rottenberg in their way time after time.  

Kylie Bivens (left) and Cat Reddick (centre) of the US women's national soccer team try to block a shot by Birgit Prinz (Germany, right) during the semi-final. © Getty Images
Kylie Bivens (left) and Cat Reddick (centre) of the US women's national soccer team try to block a shot by Birgit Prinz (Germany, right) during the semi-final. © Getty Images

Change of American tactics backfires – with disastrous consequences
Despite the hosts’ intense pressure, Germany managed to fashion some good chances on the counter, none of which they were able to convert. US coach April Heinrichs turned up the heat in the second half, but Rottenberg was imperious.

After her substitutions failed to have the desired effect, Heinrichs switched from a back four to a back three. Unfortunately, this only benefited the Germans, as with time running out, the Americans streamed forward in desperate search of an equaliser, leaving space at the back for Germany to exploit, which they did in ruthless fashion. First, Maren Meinert made it 2-0 in the 91st minute, and two minutes later, Prinz shattered American dreams of reaching the final with her crucial three-touch sequence.

 

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