Germany’s eleven are in the semi-finals – but one concern remains

But even the large number of great chances by the Austrians did not faze the German team, who currently seem more solid than ever. With Merle Frohms there is a goalkeeper between the posts who is the only one who hasn’t conceded a goal in this tournament. Martina Voss-Tecklenburg’s decision to put the soon-to-be Wolfsburg player in goal instead of Almuth Schult, the number one for many years, turned out to be spot on.

The duo in the center of defence, consisting of Kathrin Hendrich and Marina Hegering, also turned out to be stable, even if both revealed room for improvement, especially with the precision of their long balls. How good that Lena Oberdorf caught a cream day instead. At only 20 years old, the woman from Wolfsburg, who made her DFB debut three years ago at the World Cup in France, radiated impressive sovereignty – and was an absolute monster in one-on-one combat. “Obi” won five of their six aerial and ten of their 13 ground duels – and drove Austria to despair with their intercepted balls (6).

Based on these impressive figures, it is almost surprising that Klara Bühl was not named “Player of the Match” by Uefa, but rather Klara Bühl. But the Bayern striker also shone with fast runs on the wings (like before the 1-0) and with great finishes, for example when she only hit the crossbar after an impressive solo run (78th). Four minutes later, Bühl then missed the preliminary decision, as she only had to push in, but unfocusedly put the ball past the post on the left.

So if you are looking for a shortcoming, you should find it in the lack of conversion of chances. The DFB women shot a whopping 20 times in the direction of the Austrian goal, but were only allowed to celebrate once shortly before the end until Alexandra Popps scored the redeeming slapstick goal (already four goals in the European Championship). The national coach probably didn’t like the number of opposing shots (12) either.

And one more concern remains. Because it is still unclear whether and how fit midfield ace Magull can contest the semifinals against France or the defending champions Netherlands. Already after the 2-0 win in the second group game against Spain, the Bayern captain was plagued by thigh problems, against Finland Magull paused the entire 90 minutes.