From BZ/dpa
Off to Wembley! The German footballers around Torgarantin Alexandra Popp play for the European Championship title. The captain scored her fifth and sixth goal in five games of the tournament in the 2-1 (1-1) semi-final against France on Wednesday evening in Milton Keynes.
The record European champions Germany will challenge hosts England in London’s legendary stadium on Sunday (6 p.m. CEST/ARD and DAZN).
The DFB women continued their winning streak with another strong performance. In front of 27,445 spectators, the team of national coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg conceded the first goal of the tournament – through a powerful shot by France Diani on the post, from which the ball unfortunately bounced to the back of keeper Merle Frohms and from there into the goal (44th minute). ). Before that, Germany had taken the lead with a furious volley from Popp (40′), who headed the ball in the second half (76′) and again caused the German team to cheer.
“To be honest, I can’t even put it into words. We played an amazing game again, said Popp on ZDF. “We’re so incredibly happy, no one was expecting us and we’re facing 90,000 in the final against England – honestly, there’s nothing better.”
Alexandra Popp is faster than her opponent and makes it 1-0 for Germany with her left Photo: Reuters
In Wembley Stadium, which was already sold out with almost 90,000 fans, a magnificent backdrop awaits the two-time world champion. The Lionesses dream of their first international title, the German women of their ninth European Championship triumph.
Voss-Tecklenburg included a video message from Jürgen Klopp in the match briefing – and provided additional motivation. “Now you know I like a certain kind of football,” Liverpool’s star coach said. “And accordingly you can imagine that I love your football.”
After Klara Bühl was out, Jule Brand stormed as expected. The 19-year-old future Wolfsburg player came to her first European Championship appearance right from the start. “My team will (…) make the stadium celebrate and inspire you with great football!” Bayern attacker Bühl said after her positive corona test.
Marina Hegering and Alexandra Popp jump up to head the ball – but France goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin is there Photo: Reuters
The German selection, however, was initially cautious against the French, who were basically offensively oriented. Sara Däbritz, who is moving from Paris Saint-Germain to Olympique Lyon this summer, saw many familiar faces around her in midfield and was increasingly successful in building up play with Lina Magull.
What bad luck! France’s Kadidiatou Diani’s shot hits the post. From there, the ball hits the back of goalkeeper Merle Frohms and into the goal Photo: AFP
A free kick brought out by Brand then brought the first chance: Goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin just managed to deflect Popp’s ball around the post (22′). Before the eyes of Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser and DFB President Bernd Neuendorf and Director Oliver Bierhoff, German women increasingly took the initiative.
Popp used a Huth cross from close range to make it 1-0. The equalizer then came as a surprise: Kadidiatou Diani hit the inside of the post and the ball bounced off the back of goalkeeper Frohms into the net.
The 2:1! Alexandra Popp (No. 11) climbs up and heads the ball in – even with the opponent’s hair on her face Photo: Reuters
With the tailwind of the equalizer, France started the second half boldly again. However, the DFB selection continued to hold up well – and kept looking for a way forward. Popp then created the best atmosphere among the German fans. The hit after a powerful header was briefly checked by the video assistants, but remained valid.
The final phase became a thriller for the DFB selection. Linda Dallmann missed the big chance to make it 3-1 (89th) shortly before the end. But it was enough and after that there was only cheering!