Impetus’ Johnathan Stack, who has followed Germany for us from the very start of the tournament, reflects on their victory over France in last night’s semi-final (28/7/22).
Above: Alexandra Popp shows her joy at providing Germany’s ticket to Sunday’s final. Photo: Euro 2022.
Germany will face England in the final of Euro 2022 after beating France 2-1 in Milton Keynes.
Two goals from player of the match German captain Alexandra Popp either side of a Merle Frohms own goal was enough to seal their passage to Wembley.
Popp’s first goal was a stunning volley from a Svenja Huth cross, and her second was towering thumping header from another Huth cross.
Popp has now equalled Michel Platini’s Euro ’84 achievement of scoring in five consecutive games at any UEFA European Championships and could break the record in Sunday’s final.
France had their chances and got a tad fortunate with their goal after Diani’s strike cannoned off the post hit the back of German goalkeeper Merle Frohms before ending up in the back of the net.
But the headlines and highlights will no doubt go to Popp who has been in blistering form this summer.
The England defence will have to play the game of their lives if they are going to stop Germany and Alexandra Popp.
Also, there is a crucial battle for the UEFA Euro 2022 Golden Boot with both England’s Beth Mead and Germany’s Alexandra Popp on six goals each.
I said in a previous article after Germany’s second group game that it looked like it will be an England against Germany final. That has come to fruition, and the countdown is on for Sunday. Who will be crowned European Champions in 2022 England or Germany? Will the Lionesses roar or be tamed by the Germans?
To read Impetus’ French editor’s view of the match (in English), click here: https://impetusfootball.org/2022/07/28/german-efficiency-stifles-french-creativity/
Teams: FRANCE (4-3-3): Peyraud-Magnin, Karchaoui, Renard, Mbock, Périsset, Geyoro, Toletti (Sarr 80′), Bilbault, Cascarino (Matéo 61′), Malard (Bacha 46′), Diani.
Scorer: Frohms (OG) 45′.
GERMANY (4-3-3): Frohms, Rauch, Hegering (Doorsoun 81′), Hendrich, Gwinn, Däbritz (Lohmann 68′), Oberdorf, Magull (Dallmann 68′), Brand, Popp, Huth (Waßmuth 90+1′).
Scorer: Popp 40′, 76′.
Referee: Cheryl Foster.
Attendance: 27,445.
impetusfootball.org 