Birgit Prinz: Watch the Striker Before the Shot

Birgit Prinz was a Germany striker who won the Women’s World Cup in 2003 and 2007. Her international career produced 128 goals in 214 appearances, and she received the world player award in 2003, 2004, and 2005. At club level, she played for Frankfurt teams and Carolina Courage in the United States.

Where does a scoring chance begin?

The obvious answer is the final pass. For a center forward, it can begin earlier: with a step away from the defender, a change of direction, or a run timed to the passer lifting their head.

Use Prinz’s matches to explore that part of the position. Pause before the ball reaches the penalty area. Where is she standing? Which shoulder is the defender checking? What would happen if the cross arrived at the near post instead of the far post?

Those questions explain why two forwards receiving the same service may end up with very different opportunities.

Being available helps the whole attack

A striker’s job also includes giving teammates somewhere to pass when a defense is organized. Holding a useful position can keep a center back occupied. Moving toward the ball can offer support, though it may also leave the penalty area without a target.

There is no single correct movement for every situation. The value lies in choosing a movement that fits the rest of the attack. Watching the ball alone makes that judgment easy to miss.

Put the career in context

Prinz’s career reference documents her major tournaments and club honors. Those records establish the scale of her achievements; watching the build-up to the goals reveals the work of the position.

For another generation of center-forward play, compare Khadija Shaw’s attacking presence. Browse Player Profiles to see how the same position can produce different kinds of influence.