News (engl.)

Germany’s women’s national team have taken a big step towards the UEFA Women’s Nations League final thanks to a 1-0 win over France in the first leg of their semi-final. Christian Wück’s side claimed a deserved victory in front of a home crowd in Düsseldorf, with Klara Bühl scoring the decisive goal in the 79th minute.

Wück started with Stina Johannes in goal and a back four of captain Giulia Gwinn, Kathrin Hendrich, debutant Camilla Küver and Franziska Kett. Elisa Senß and Sjoeke Nüsken anchored the midfield behind the more attacking trio of Carlotta Wamser, Jule Brand and Klara Bühl, while Nicole Anyomi led the line.

Tight first half in Düsseldorf

Germany made a bright start and threatened twice within the opening three minutes, both times from low crosses from the right. Anyomi (2’) and Wamser (3’) were denied by France goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin. As the game progressed, however, both sides became embroiled in a midfield battle that disrupted the rhythm and limited goalmouth action.

A mistake from Elisa De Almeida midway through the half handed Germany their next chance, but Bühl’s low shot from the left flew narrowly wide (20’). At the other end, Johannes did well to save a strike from Delphine Cascarino, and Hendrich cleared the loose ball just ahead of Marie-Antoinette Katoto (21’).

France had the ball in the net shortly after the half-hour mark, but the goal was ruled out for offside against Grace Geyoro before her cross found Katoto (34’). Germany’s grip on possession loosened as the half wore on, but France couldn’t create any further danger before the break. Bühl had the last chance of the half, only for her shot to be blocked by De Almeida (41’). The teams went in level at 0-0.

Bühl breaks the deadlock

Germany emerged for the second half unchanged but immediately upped the tempo. Nüsken came close with a header (55’), and Anyomi missed a good chance just two minutes later, firing over from seven yards (57’). Soon after, she was replaced by Selina Cerci, with Lea Schüller also coming on for Gwinn.

Germany took increasing control and pinned France back in their own half. Nüsken twice went close again, first with a powerful turn-and-shot that whistled just wide (66’), then with a strike from close range that was saved (69’). France had one big chance on the break, Melvine Malard forcing an excellent reflex save from Johannes (73’).

Germany then broke the deadlock after a long ball released Bühl down the left, and she sprinted clear before cutting inside and rifling a shot into the near corner for 1-0. It proved to be her final action of the game, as Wück brought on Sydney Lohmann and Cora Zicai (for Nüsken) to help close things out.

Germany saw out the closing minutes calmly and take a slender advantage into the return leg in Caen on 28th October (21:10 CET).