Germany, Sweden into women’s Euro quarter-finals

DOETINCHEM, Netherlands: Holders Germany beat Russia 2-0 to set up a women’s Euro quarterfinal clash with Denmark while Sweden also advanced to the knockout phase despite losing 3-2 to Italy on Tuesday.

In Utrecht, Babett Peter scored from the spot on 10 minutes and captain Dzsenifer Marozsan converted another penalty in the 56th minute to hand a dominant Germany victory.

Peter converted her second penalty in two games after Daria Makarenko brought down Mandy Islacker in the box, while Marozsan punished Margarita Chernomyrdina’s foul on Sara Dabritz.

In Doetinchem, Daniela Sabatino put Italy ahead on four minutes after Sweden defender Linda Sembrant knocked down a cross for her inside the box.

Lotta Schelin equalised from a penalty following a foul on Stina Blackstenius by Federica Di Criscio, but Sabatino gave Italy the lead again before half-time when she volleyed home a cross from Linda Tucceri Cimini.

Blackstenius equalised for Sweden two minutes after the break, firing in a cross from half-time substitute Fridolina Rolfo, but Cristiana Girelli forced in a cross from Barbara Bonansea five minutes from the end.

Sweden still progressed as runners-up despite the defeat and will face hosts Netherlands for a place in the semi-finals.

Germany put Russia under heavy pressure early on as newcomer Sara DoorsounKhajeh tested Russian goalkeeper Tatiana Shcherbak with a long-range blast in the build-up to the penalty.

Bayern Munich midfielder Dabritz had two good chances in the first half but Shcherbak foiled her the first time before she shot narrowly wide of the target.

The 19-year-old Shcherbak also tipped Peter’s header onto the crossbar on half an hour.