Die Nationalelf carried their strong group stage form into the knockout round, defeating Austria 2-0 in the Euro 2022 quarterfinal. Germany, like England, had not conceded a goal in the group stage, but unlike the hosts, they maintained their record with an impressive performance in Brentford.
Despite being heavy favourites, Austria had the first shot on goal when Julia Hickelsberger-Fuller was played in behind the German defence, but her low drive was saved by Merle Frohms.
Shortly after, Alexandra Popp was played into the centre of the box by Germany, but her shot sailed over the bar almost immediately. Austria appeared to be playing on the counter-attack, but it was effective, with Marina Georgieva’s looping header only being denied by the post.
After only 26 minutes, Germany broke through the opposition defence when Klara Buhl beat Austria captain Carina Wenninger to the ball down the left before cutting back towards Popp from the touchline. Popp stepped over the ball, allowing Lina Magull to side-foot into the corner and put her team ahead.
Svenja Huth had a chance to double Germany’s lead just before half-time, but after beating the offside trap, she could only fire straight at the goalkeeper. Barbara Dunst tried her luck from range with a looping, curling shot from well outside the area, and goalkeeper Frohms was beaten as the ball dipped, but Austria were denied by the woodwork for the second time in the game.
At the start of the second half, Austria appeared to be piling on the pressure and were denied yet again by the post, this time from Sarah Puntigam’s low drive. When Germany substitute Linda Dallmann was played through in the 69th minute, she had a chance to secure her side’s place in the semis, but her attempt to lob Zinsberger was just over the goal. Buhl’s well-struck drive from outside the area hit the crossbar in the 78th minute, but Popp sealed the victory late on.
Following their victory in front of 16,025 fans, the eight-time European champions will face either France or the Netherlands in the second semi-final on Wednesday at Milton Keynes.
