It’s Germany! But just how good are they?
GeRMANy will play england in the final of euro 2022 after victory over France last night.
Two goals from Alexandra Popp — who is now level with england’s Beth Mead for the golden boot — saw the eight-time european champions book their place at Wembley on Sunday. Popp had given her side the lead in the first half before kadidiatou Diani’s powerful shot drew France level before half-time. France had chances to go ahead after the break but could not take them and they were punished by the ruthless Popp, who headed in the winner in the 76th minute. Popp, who has scored in every game, broke the deadlock in the 40th minute when she rifled in Svenja huth’s cross on the volley.
It was the first time France had gone behind in the tournament, but they trailed for just four minutes when Diani let fly from the edge of the box. her shot hit the post but rebounded off Germany keeper Merle Frohms and into the net for an own goal. France almost took the lead just past the hour mark with two chances in quick succession. Clara Mateo found space for a shot in the box but kathrin hendrich blocked superbly before Wendie Renard had a header cleared off the line from the resulting corner.
France were made to pay as the huth-Popp combination struck again — huth crossing and Popp rising highest to power home. So, now they know who awaits them, what can england expect from their opponents in Sunday’s showpiece at Wembley?
STRENGTHS
The Germans have hardly put a foot wrong at euro 2022. They have been the most organised team in the tournament and didn’t concede a goal on their journey to the semi-final. They have an excellently balanced midfield with Lena Oberdorf in the holding role, while Lina Magull and Sara Dabritz provide the creativity. Germany have also succeeded in pressing teams into making mistakes in their own penalty area, something Spain and Austria both fell victim to.
WEAKNESSES
WhILe Germany are solid and hard to break down, they sometimes lack a ruthless edge in front of goal. They perhaps do not have the same strength in depth as england, who have numerous goalscoring options from the bench. klara Buhl has been one of their best players in the tournament but is a doubt for the final after testing positive for Covid-19 on Tuesday.