Off to Wembley! The German soccer players around goal guarantor Alexandra Popp are playing for the European Championship title. The captain scored her fifth and sixth goal in the fifth tournament game in the 2-1 (1-1) semi-final against France in Milton Keynes. The record European champions Germany are challenging hosts England in London’s legendary stadium on Sunday (6 p.m., 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 ever in the tournament – of all things through an unfortunate own goal by keeper Merle Frohms (44th) after the lead by Popp (40th), who headed in the second half (76.) but then again caused exuberant cheering from the German team.
In Wembley Stadium, which was already sold out with almost 90,000 fans, the two-time world champion can now expect a magnificent backdrop. 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 so you can imagine that I love your football.”
After Klara Bühl was out, Jule Brand stormed as expected. The 19-year-old future from Wolfsburg 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.
The German selection, however, was cautious at first 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.
A free kick brought out by Brand then brought the first chance: goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin just steered 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.
A Huth cross was used by Popp from close range to make it 1-0. The equalizer then came as a surprise: Kadidiatou Diani hit the inside post and the ball bounced off the back of goalkeeper Frohms into the net.
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 the way forward. Popp then ensured 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.