On Friday evening (October 7th, 2022) in Dresden, the DFB women won the new edition of the European Championship semi-final against France (Germany won 2-1 with a brace from Alexandra Popp). The match winner was again captain Alexandra Popp, who scored both goals in the 2-1 (1-0) win against the French.
In front of 26,835 spectators in the Rudolf Harbig Stadium, Popp headed the lead shortly before half-time (44′) and increased the lead a few minutes after the restart (48′). Former Bayern player Viviane Asseyi (85th) scored the first home game since the European Championships in England with a penalty kick.
“It was great fun in front of the crowd, the fans took us with them. Of course I’m happy that I was able to help with my goals to win. France suits me”, said the double goal scorer on the sports show microphone.
Without numerous permanent staff
Without the regulars Giulia Gwinn, Lena Magull (both FC Bayern Munich) and Sara Däbritz (Olympique Lyon), Lena Lattwein from Wolfsburg and Linda Dallmann from Munich were particularly challenged in attacking midfield. “Today was an open-minded game for both sides. If you look at the whole game and the number of chances, we deserved to win,” said national coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg.
DFB team not immediately in the game
Both teams started the test match at high speed. But Germany initially struggled on the offensive against the French, who were defending in a concentrated manner. But every successful action by Germany was loudly cheered by the fans. France did come up dangerously in front of goalkeeper Merle Frohms a few times, but only put the ball in the opponent’s goal when Lindsey Thomas from Wolfsburg knocked her legs off and there was a penalty.
The next challenges await the German team in the two friendlies in November in the USA against the world champions. Voss-Tecklenberg hopes to gain important insights for the preparations for the World Cup from July 20 to August 20, 2023 in Australia and New Zealand. In the draw on October 22, the German team will also find out who their opponents are in the preliminary round.