1:2 against England after extra time: Germany only stopped in Wembley without Popp

Record European champions Germany missed their ninth European title after an outstanding tournament and a dramatic final without their injured captain Alexandra Popp. The “Lionesses” won the home of football for the first time again at the scene of the men’s World Cup triumph 56 years ago.

Chloe Kelly was the match-winner in extra time to make it 2-1 in front of 87,192 unleashed fans in one of the most iconic places in world football. While the players of national coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg sank inconsolably onto the lawn of Wembley Stadium after the final whistle on Sunday evening (July 31, 2022), Sarina Wiegman’s team completely freaked out.

The “Lionesses” celebrated a well-deserved triumph on stage with the trainer, who had already led their home country, the Netherlands, to victory at the European Championships five years ago. It had meant the world to them for almost four weeks. “Sweet Caroline”, Neil Diamond’s world hit, accompanied her on her journey through a summer that must have felt better for English football than it had for a long time. “It’s incredible,” Wiegman told the BBC. “We lived it. It was a close game but we won it.”

National coach congratulates England and praises Popp

It was different on the German side. “It’s just so painful to leave the pitch as a loser. We gave our all for 120 minutes and didn’t let the deficit shock us. Unfortunately we didn’t reward ourselves,” said Svenja Huth in the first. Voss-Tecklenburg described the second goal as “very unfortunate, but congratulations to England. They played an outstanding tournament and withstood the pressure.” Captain Popp praised the national coach for giving up her place in the starting XI shortly before kick-off due to an injury. “Making such a decision deserves the greatest respect.” Despite the defeat, the German team will be welcomed at the Römer in Frankfurt on Monday (08/01/2022). Das Erste and sportschau.de broadcast from 4:10 p.m.

Oberdorf best young player of the tournament

At the award ceremony, the DFB women had to pass the European Championship trophy, but they still got a “consolation prize”. Lena Oberdorf was awarded as the best young player of the tournament. England’s Beth Mead also picked up the top scorer’s crown with six goals and five assists as well as the best player trophy.

Popp & Co. delighted and inspired

For Popp & Co., Wembley’s final knockout may seem tragic at first. But with some distance, the DFB captain and her teammates should be particularly proud of what they, like the deserved winners, have given: enthusiasm and inspiration that result from the dedication to their sport, coupled with rarely experienced football class dined. These German footballers had only one problem – an English team that had been waiting for this moment of kissing awake for decades, that after years of frustration freed itself from invisible chains and almost intoxicatedly led its mission to the longed-for end.

Shock message before kick-off: Popp does not play

Even before the British national anthem electrified Wembley Stadium before the final, German fans countered with banners: “Popp save the team”. But nothing came of it. Shortly before the teams arrived, word got around that the captain had to pass. Popp had already injured his left thigh on Saturday. During the warm-up, Germany’s top scorer with six goals at this European Championship was still on the pitch and her name was noted on the official list. At the start of the game, however, Lea Schüller, the recently crowned “Female Soccer Player of the Year” in Germany, was the center forward. Huth took over the captain’s armband.

England superior – Hegering with a chance to lead

The German players seemed somewhat inhibited by this loss, which is elementary for the team structure. England were much more active offensively in the first half, but missed chances from Ellen White (3′, 38′) and Lucy Bronze (19′). The DFB women did not get into their usual flow of play, but had the opportunity to take the lead after a corner from Lina Magull through Marina Hegering (25th). The video referee checked the turmoil in the English six-yard box in this scene, but did not recognize any violation of the rules, even though England captain Leah Williamson jumped the ball clearly on the outstretched arm.

Wassmuth revives the offensive game

In the very intense duel with three yellow cards at the break, the German team held back physically even without their leader. Sixer Oberdorf and defense chief Hegering cleaned up in the centre, but Sara Däbritz also jumped into the breach.

Tabea Waßmuth, who came on for Jule Brand, brought new momentum in a playful way. After a positioning mistake by Millie Bright, the Wolfsburg woman ran alone towards goalkeeper Mary Earps, but shot too weak (48′). Two minutes later, she cleverly let the ball pass to Magull at the penalty spot, but she only hit the play equipment with the pike (50′). Finally, Schüller came a step too late after Waßmuth’s through ball in the direction of Earps (57th).

Toone makes it 1-0

In the middle of this urgent phase of the Germans, Wiegman calmly made two changes – and this was not the first time in this tournament that he made a decisive difference in the game. Out of distress, Keira Walsh played a through ball into the interface of the German defense to substitute Ella Toone. The Manchester United offensive player sprinted away from Hegering and Kathrin Hendrich and overcame Frohms with a cheeky lob from the edge of the penalty area (62′).

Magull first hits the post – and then to 1:1

Was that it for Germany? no There was still Magull. The FC Bayern attacking player was freed by Oberdorf on the right in the penalty area and initially nailed the ball to the post (66′). A little later she took more precise measurements. Waßmuth hung up – this time from the right – for the noble technician, who took the ball directly with her left in the six-yard box and shot in high to make it 1-1 (79′). It was her third goal at this European Championship.

Everything at the beginning – but who had the better reserves after this exhausting game in extra time? Both teams clearly lacked the strength for the great art of play, but it was all the harder and with borderline fouls to the point.

Extra time: Kelly shoots England lucky

The decision was ultimately made based on a standard: after a corner by Lauren Hemp, which the German defense was unable to clear, substitute Kelly poked the ball over the line as she fell (110′). The Manchester City player tore her shirt off and her colleagues struggled to catch her. England had reached the goal of their dreams, football – finally, finally – had arrived back home.