When Alex Popp scored her first ever Euros goal against Denmark in Germany's opening group stage game, she dropped to her knees with tears in her eyes. Her teammates gathered around her and lifted her to her feet, knowing what it meant to her to be appearing in her first ever Euro tournament.
The 31-year-old had missed the 2013 and 2017 editions with serious injuries. She very nearly missed this tournament as well, suffering another serious injury which kept her out until March of this year. If it had gone ahead last year as planned, we would be lamenting the missed opportunity of not getting to see one of Germany's -- and the world's -- most prolific players.