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Alexandra Popp's artistic effort was rewarded with the 1:0
Photo: MATTHIAS RIETSCHEL / REUTERS
In a new edition of the European Championship semifinals, the DFB women defeated the guest from France 2:1 (1:0).
In Dresden's Rudolf Harbig Stadium, Alexandra Popp scored the German goals (44th and 48th minute), Viviane Asseyi shortened the penalty in the 85th minute with a penalty kick.
It was less than two and a half months ago that the two teams faced each other in the semi-finals of the European Championship in England.
The German women prevailed 2:1 in Milton Keynes and advanced to the final, which they lost 1:2 after extra time to hosts England.
Germany wants to take the momentum of the tournament, which ended in Wembley in front of more than 87,000 spectators, with them.
This also includes better framework conditions: an appealing opponent, an attractive kick-off time and thus broadcast time at 8.30 p.m. and visibility on ARD.
Almost 27,000 fans came to Dresden and saw a German team that had problems with a well-organized opponent.
The selection of coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg, who had to do without top performers such as Giulia Gwinn, Sara Däbritz and Lina Magull, found no gaps offensively and made several dangerous turnovers in and around their own penalty area.
Smoke corner, popp header – goal
It took more than half an hour before it became halfway dangerous: first Klara Bühl shot wide of the goal from the inside left position (36'), in return Kadidiatou Diani only hit the side netting (37').
Shortly before the half-time break, the surprising lead: After a corner by Felicitas Rauch, Popp, who scored twice in the semi-finals of the European Championship, got through in the center of the penalty area and headed in powerfully to make it 1-0 (44th).
In the second half, Voss-Tecklenburg brought on Sydney Lohmann and Jule Brand and the latter almost made it 2-0 after just 30 seconds: their shot just missed the goal to the left (46').
Brand was also involved in the next dangerous situation: Svenja Huth found her pass to the right attacking side, who passed sharply to the six-yard box, where Popp pushed the ball over the line (48th).
It was her 61st international goal in 122nd appearance.
The game now compensated for the tough first half: First, Kathrin Hendrich had to prevent the goal just before the goal line (67th), then Popp just as narrowly missed the 3-0 (60th) as Sjoeke Nüsken three minutes later.
Hendrich made another save on the line (81') before a foul by German goalkeeper Merle Frohms brought tension to the game: Asseyi converted the penalty kick safely (85').
Annual accounts in the USA
At the end of the year, the DFB selection travels to the USA, where they will meet the reigning world champions twice: on November 11 (from 1 a.m. CET) the two teams will meet first at the DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale/Florida, on November 13 November (from 11 p.m. CET) at the Red Bull Arena in Harrison/New Jersey.
Both the German and French selections have qualified for the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, which will be held in July and August next year.
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