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Germany dominated in the final match of their group stage with a 4-0 win against South Africa that advanced Germany to the top in Group B with nine points.
In Montpellier, France:
While South Africa didn’t see a win and remain at the bottom with zero points, this first-time tournament was a learning experience for them as their team continues to develop.
Germany came into this match with the advantage of having six points as the Banyana Banyana had zero points with four conceded goals in their past two matches. For the Die Nationalelf, this match was in their favour.
Within the first half, Germany scored three goals, with their earliest goal coming from a header by midfielder Melanie Leupolz on a corner kick. With their 1-0 lead, Germany began to slow down the pace of play as the heat began to take it’s toll on the players.
German defender Verena Schweers sent the ball to South Africa’s goalkeeper Andile Dlamini, who made a save, but the ball was parried out. Germany seized this opportunity and Sara Daebritz scored the second goal from the resulting rebound.
Captain Alexandra Popp finished a great piece of play with a header from a cross and scored the third goal for the Die Nationalelf before the half ended.
South Africa struggled and their mistakes opened the door for Germany to come through on goal. As time wore on, Banyana Banyana became disorganised and their defence was split through regularly.
However, after a torrid first half, South Africa began to get their defence together in the second. Germany still found their way through though with an attempt from a header and again with success in the 58’ minute. Another header was scored by Germany, but the post deflected the shot until Lina Magull came up with the finish to give Germany 4-0 lead.
Germany also had other opportunities on goal as the score could’ve been six, but the other two goals were judged to be offside.
After a disappointing defeat, South Africa coach Desiree Ellis spoke to the media afterwards:
“Unfortunately we started poorly, conceded two poor goals and were always on the back foot after that. I felt we panicked a bit in that first half.
We told the players to calm down and play our brand of football, and they did that in the second half. I think our style of football has attracted a lot of fans and I’m very grateful for the response my players were given in the stadium.”
Goal scorers: GER-Melanie Leupolz, 14’ GER-Sara Daebritz, 29’ GER-Alexandra Popp, 40’ GER-Lina Magull, 58’
Booking Summary: RSA-Lina Magull, 54’ yellow card, RSA-Nothando Vilakazi, 58’ yellow card, GER-Verena Schweers, 63’ yellow card, RSA-Rhoda Mulaudzi, 66’ yellow card.
Team Line-ups:
Germany:Almuth Schult;Marina Hegering, Svenja Huth (Linda Dallmann, 59’), Alexandra Popp, Sara Daebritz, Giulia Gwinn, Verena Schweers (Carolin Simon, 46’), Melanie Leupolz, Klara Buhl (Lea Schueller, 66’), Lina Magull, Sara Doorsoun.
Subs not used: Kathrin Hendrich, Leonie Maier,Lena Oberdorf, Lena Goesling, Laura Benkarth, Johanna Elsig, Merie Frohms, Turid Knaak, Dzenifer Marozsan.
South Africa: Andile Dlamini, Lebohang Ramalepe, Nohando Vilakazi, Noko Matlou, Janine Van Wyk, Mamello Makhabane, Ode Fulutudilu (Rhoda Mulaudzi, 46’), Amanda Mthandi (Thembi Kgatlana, 46’), Refiloe Jane, Kholosa Biyana (Leandra Smeda, 89’),Busisiwe Ndimeni.
Subs not used: Mapaseka Mpuru, Karabo Dhlamini, Linda Motlhalo, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Bambanani Mbane, Tiisetso Makhubela, Bongeka Gamede, Kaylin Swart, Sibulele Holweni.
Total Shots: GER 23-7 RSA
Shots on goal: GER 12-1 RSA
Offsides: GER 5-2 RSA
Corners: GER 8-1 RSA
