Germany still on track for a ninth Women’s Euro Championship after knocking out Austria

Germany became the second side to book their place in the semi-finals of the European Women’s Championship with victory over near neighbours Austria at the Brentford Community Stadium on Thursday.

Before the game most people expected a fairly easy game for the Germans, but Austria put up a very spirited performance and hit the woodwork on three occasions.

A first half strike from Lina Maguh along with yet another goal from Alex Popp on the cusp of full time ensured Germany kept on track for a record ninth European Title.

Before the game both sides had conceded only one goal in the tournament, that being Austria.

It was Germany who started the game with real intent. Dabritz having the first chance of the match after eight minutes when she flicked the ball past an Austrian defender before shotting tamely at Zinsberger.

Popp then fired over for the Germans before Austria came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 13^th minute when a Marina Georgieva header came off the post from a corner.

Despite this early scare, Germany drew first blood following a cut back from Klara Buhl for Magull to finish with a side foot kick into the net in the 25^th minute to give Germany a 1-0 lead at the break.

Directly from the kick off Germany almost doubled their advantage when Giulia Gwinn’s low drive hit the woodwork.

In the 53^rd minute Austria’s Barbara Dunst tried to lob the keeper from fully 40 yards out but saw here effort bounce of the bar.

For the third time in the match the Austrians hit the woodwork when Sarah Puntigam’s half volley shaved the post.

Germany desperately needed a second goal to make the game safe, and with seven minutes to go they had a glorious chance to put the game to bed after Popp unselfishly laid the ball to Buhl from eight yards out and an empty net somehow, she side footed wide.

Austria could breathe again, but with time running out the reliable Popp came to Germany’s rescue with a little help from Austrian keeper Zinsberger.

The Austrians all through the tournament have been trying to play the ball out from the back but this time if failed when Zinsberger attempt to play out from the back backfired with Popp sticking out a boot to nudge into the net for her fourth consecutive goal in the championship to secure victory for Germany who go marching on to the semi finals where they will face the winner of France and the Netherlands.

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