Can the precise Germans stop England’s goal machine? The Women’s Euro Final is here

England will once again see the final of their home championship. After a convincing semi-final win over Sweden, Germany await them at Wembley. They beat France 2-1 in a tightly contested match, with both goals coming from captain Alexandra Popp.

The most successful women’s European championship in terms of spectatorship will culminate in London. England will play for their first ever continental title and their first ever major tournament trophy. Their German opponents, on the other hand, are in their element. In the last ten European Championships, they have been on top eight times.

The spirited English girls have deepened Sweden’s deficit

The Swedes did not shine at this year’s Euros, and their top four finish was greatly helped by the quarter-final draw awarded to Belgium. And the embarrassment in the opening play-off game also foreshadowed the debacle in the semi-final with England.

The northerners, though pressing early in the game, were able to put pressure on the home side, making it a fairly even game. However, Bethany Mead’s goal in the 34th minute essentially decided the first finalist.

The English girls then completely dismantled their opponent in the second half, the Swedes didn’t know where to jump first. Manchester United forward Alessia Russo underlined the “Lionesses”‘ playing spirit, as she loudly claimed the best goal of the tournament.

After a botched finish, she got her back to goal and headed her shot right between the legs of goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl. That increased the score to 3:0 and the game was decided at Bramall Lane. Francesca Kirby added another goal and the match ended with a 4: 0 scoreline.

“After the final whistle we didn’t know what to do! We’re thrilled to be in the final,” said Mead in her post-match interview before leaving prematurely to join in singing the iconic Sweet Caroline to a packed Sheffield Stadium stand.

The match was tied by captain

The second semi-final between Germany and France offered a much more evenly matched spectacle. From the first minute, the players did not leave themselves any space, and it was the strikers in particular who suffered. It was very difficult for them to finish and each team did their own thing.

In the 40th minute the Germans took the lead. Captain Alexandra Popp ran onto the centre and emphatically pushed her way past the French defender to finish accurately from the penalty spot.

However, the game was level before half-time. PSG striker Kadidiatou Diani shot from outside the box and rang the bar. However, goalkeeper Merle Frohms was too late in her attempt to counter her shot and the ball bounced off her back and into the net.

The Germans entered the second half the better side and were rewarded with the winning goal. And who should decide the game but Popp. She burst into the box with her own tenacity and headed over Pauline Peyraud-Magnin from penalty level.

The Germans will thus be back in the final after a failed Euro 2017 and will be looking to claim a record ninth European title in their history. The final is scheduled for 31 July at 6pm. The match between England and Germany will be broadcast by CT Sport.

Source: UEFA