Never in the history of the European Championship or the World Cup have you made it past the quarter-finals. Accordingly, the victory over the Netherlands on Saturday evening (1-0 after extra time) was a historic one.
But what can Germany expect? And who is the favourite?
If you look at the balance sheets of the French in the past three years, Germany should be scared and anxious. Since the painful quarter-finals at the 2019 home World Cup against the USA (1: 2), France has only suffered one more bankruptcy. In April 2021 they lost 2-0 – again against the US team around superstar Megan Rapinoe, which continues to be the measure of all things in women’s football.
And France itself, with their last 16 victories in a row, has shown that they can hardly be beaten. Only the curious 1:1 against Iceland in the 13th minute of stoppage time in the third group game ended the famous series of the team around captain Wendie Renard, who has played well at this European Championship so far.
The axis around defense chief Renard, midfield strategist Grace Geyoro (three tournament goals) and center forward Marie-Antoinette Katoto is unparalleled. The latter is no longer available to France since her cruciate ligament tear in the second group game against Belgium. A chance for Germany?
France on the outside fire hazard
Katoto’s absence is definitely a major handicap for the French. But the PSG forward was replaced by actual winger Melvine Malard against Iceland. And she promptly showed her qualities, scoring after just 45 seconds in her starting eleven debut at this European Championship – the fastest goal of the European Championship.
The lightning-fast wingers Delphine Cascarino (left) and PSG’s Candidate Diani (right) will also make extreme demands on the German wingers Giulia Gwinn (right) and Felicitas Rauch (left).
It will be all the more important that the German midfield around Sara Däbritz, Lina Magull and central player Lena Oberdorf supports the back team – and fills any free space that may arise. And the wing players Svenja Huth and Klara Bühl will also be challenged in defensive work.
And Germany? Will have to focus on his own strengths – and continue to do the consistent approach that the French have also practiced. And standards could also become the method of choice for Germany around “header monster” Alexandra Popp (three of the four tournament goals per head). France’s goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin recently revealed major weaknesses in controlling the penalty area at corners.
Even if there are not many weaknesses that coach Corinne Diacre’s team shows, Germany will also have their chances. The fans can look forward to a duel at eye level.