Second win in the third game. The German women’s national team have won the important final group match of the Algarve Cup 3-1 against Brazil. Alexandra Popp (39) Celia Sasic (49) and Dzsenifer Marozsan (56) scored the goals for Germany, while Bruna Benites (47) scored the initial equaliser for Brazil. With six points, Germany sits level with Sweden, narrowly missing out on top spot.
This secured first place for the Swedes as they won the head to head fixture against Germany. Silvia Neid’s team will play their final match of the tournament on Wednesday in the third place play-off, incidentally against Sweden once again as they missed out on a space in the final with the lowest points tally of the three group winners. This gives the German women’s team the opportunity to avenge their 4-2 defeat against Sweden in the first group game. France will face USA in the final. The Algarve Cup is considered the most important warm up for the summer’s World Cup in Canada (6th June-5th July).
Manager Neid makes four changes to starting XI
Just like in the last game, Silvia Neid made changes in multiple positions. Almuth Schult returned in goal, whilst Nadine Angerer pulled out with the flu, despite initially being in the team.
Otherwise, the manager stuck with her most experienced players. Jennifer Cramer, lined up next to Annike Krahn, Barbett Peter and Leonie Maier in defence, with Dzsenifer Marozsan and Melanie Leupolz sitting in front in midfield. An attacking three of Alexandra Popp, Fatmire Alushi and Simone Laudehr was spearheaded by Celia Sasic who made her 101st appearance for the national side.
Germany clinical, Popp scores
The team put in a spirited performance from the beginning, playing aggressively with confidence in attack. In an intensive battle, the reigning champions created many chances, but lacked the perfect finish. Both Sasic and Popp had early chances to take the lead. It was the 23 year old striker, however, who headed Marozsan’s corner perfectly over the line to make it 1-0 before the break.
Unlike the German’s, Brazil had barely any chances and had problems keeping the ball. The German team stood strong at the back and were dominant in their challenges to win the ball back.
Quick-fire goals after the break
The Brazillian’s were the much better side at the beginning of the second half. After a free kick from midfield, Bruna Benites was able to equalise in the 47th minute, though it wouldn't take long for Germany to respond. Just two minutes later Sasic was quickest to react to a long ball through the middle and finished well to make it 2-1. In her fourth Algarve Cup appearance, the 1. FFC Frankfurt striker also set up the third goal for Germany. After a delightful cross, Marozsan finished from close range to seal the 3-1 win.