The football players of Germany have qualified for the semi-finals of the European Championship on Thursday. The eight-time European champion battled Austria 2-0 in London.
Germany is the possible opponent of the Netherlands in the semi-finals. The defending champion will then have to deal with the strong French team in the quarterfinals on Saturday.
The score in the Brentfort stadium was opened halfway through the first half. After a nice attack, Lina Magull pushed the ball into the far corner. The decision came in the final phase, when Alexandra Popp took advantage of a blunder by the Austrian keeper.
Germany has so far won all matches in this European Championship without conceding a goal. In the group stage, the team was too strong for Denmark (4-0), Spain (2-0) and Finland (3-0).
Germany is the second team to be assured of a place in the semi-finals. On Wednesday, Sarina Wiegman’s England reached the last four by winning 2-1 against Spain after extra time.
On Friday, Sweden and Belgium will face each other, a day later it will be the turn of the Netherlands and France. Both matches start at 9 p.m.
The Austrian goalkeeper in tears, while behind her the German players celebrate.
The Austrian goalkeeper in tears, while behind her the German players celebrate. Photo: AFP
Germany escapes at great opportunities Austria
Germany initially struggled to fulfill the favorite role against Austria. The team crawled through the eye of the needle when Marina Georgieva hit the post.
The 1-0 in the 25th minute was therefore somewhat against the ratio. After a sharp cross from Klara Bühl and a handy pass from Popp, Magull simply pushed the ball in.
Austria hit the post again early in the second half, but then Germany took matters into their own hands and hung the 2-0 more emphatically in the air.
However, the decision only came in the very last minute after a blunder by Manuela Zinsberger. The Austrian keeper shot the ball on a kick against the incoming Popp and saw Austria’s last glimmer of hope disappear.