Wunderlich relishes Umeå showdown

Experience
The defender recently committed to a 16th season with Frankfurt, and is a veteran of both their European titles in 2002 and 2006, not to mention six league titles and many international honours with Germany. She played in the inaugural UEFA Women's Cup final against Umeå IK, a 2-0 win at the Waldstadion before its FIFA World Cup revamp, but also the defeats by the Swedish side in the 2003 semis and 2004 decider, so is well-placed to speak of their opponents, also aiming for a record third crown.

Improvement
"I think they have grown stronger over the years, as have we," Wunderlich told uefa.com ahead of Saturday's first leg in Sweden. "They have more experience now. They are willing to fight and they are not afraid to show this. They stick together and then there's their top star Marta of course." So how will they deal with the Brazilian - the reigning FIFA Women's World Player of the Year? "We must remain tight at all times, stick together, stay close to each other. Us central defenders have to work together with the full-backs and deny her the space she needs. "

Showpiece
For the first time since 2002, Frankfurt will stage a European final at the city's biggest stadium, which has been transformed in the past six years. "I am looking forward to it a lot," Wunderlich said. "We of course now hope that enough people will attend to create an atmosphere, but the stage is set - now we have to perform."

First winners
They certainly did so for around 12,000 fans in their inaugural UEFA Women's Cup success. "Of course, 2002 was special, being the first time there ever was a UEFA Women's Cup, but the UEFA Women's Cup is always special," Wunderlich said. "You get to show yourself on the big stage and if you win you are the number one team in Europe."

Setback
Frankfurt were No2 in 2004 when overwhelmed 8-0 on aggregate by Umeå - the only time 1. FFC have lost in the final. "Our team has improved a lot since then," Wunderlich said. "We do not have as many injured players as in 2004, even though we are missing Renate Lingor at the moment. Back then, we reached out limit, but it has been the club's philosophy since then to have a bigger squad and we have succeeded in that respect."

*Frankfurt warmed up for the final in fine style today with a 4-0 defeat of fellow former European champions 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam. Kerstin Garefrekes and Petra Wimbersky struck before the break before Birgit Prinz added two including a penalty to keep Frankfurt four points clear of FCR Duisburg, who have five games left to the champions' four. On Saturday, Umeå defeated neighbours Umeå Södra FF 6-0 with four goals from Marta and two by Ramona Bachman to stretch their perfect start to four games.