Pozdeeva's 'dream' finals for Russia end early
Saturday, July 13, 2013
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"These finals were like a dream for me," Anastasia Pozdeeva told UEFA.com after an injury sustained on her competitive debut ruled the Russia midfielder out of the tournament.
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Russia midfielder Anastasia Pozdeeva will miss the remainder of UEFA Women's EURO 2013 after rupturing her left anterior knee cruciate ligament during Friday's 3-1 defeat by France in Norrkoping.
The 20-year-old made her competitive debut for Russia after 35 minutes against France in a tactical switch but was injured midway through the second half. Tests have since confirmed that she will play no further part in the tournament, but a decision is yet to been taken as to whether the WFC Zvezda-2005 Perm player will return to Russia for surgery or remain in Sweden.
"I have been overwhelmed by emotion since coming on to the pitch, these finals were like a dream for me," Pozdeeva told UEFA.com. "That was my first experience of a EURO finals. It meant a lot to me. It is hard to find the words, it was like a dream."
Next up for Russia are England in Linkoping on Monday, and although their UEFA Women's EURO finals record now reads played ten, drawn one, lost nine, Pozdeeva is hopeful. "The girls need to stay calm," she said. "They still have every chance, there are still two games to go. The girls have great potential. I believe they can do it."
