News (engl.)

Germany’s women’s national team won 2-1 against Denmark in their second group stage match at the UEFA Women’s EURO. Around 17,000 German fans packed into a sold-out St. Jakob-Park in Basel (34,165 capacity), setting a new record for away fans at a Germany women’s match. Despite finding themselves trailing at half-time through Amalie Vangsgaard’s opening goal (26’), Germany managed to turn the game around thanks to goals from Sjoeke Nüsken (56’, penalty) and Lea Schüller (66’). With six points from two matches, head coach Christian Wück’s side have qualified for the quarter-finals, after Sweden beat Poland 3-0 in the late kick-off.

Wück made just one change to his starting line-up following his side’s opening match against Poland due to injury, with Carlotta Wamser replacing Giulia Gwinn at right-back. Ann-Katrin Berger started in goal, with Sarai Linder at left-back, as captain Janina Minge and Rebecca Knaak lined up at centre-back.  Elisa Senß and Sjoeke Nüsken started in defensive midfield, with Jule Brand, Linda Dallmann and Bühl all lining up in attack. Schüller began up front against Denmark.

Germany didn’t have to wait long for their first chance of the night, as Bühl won possession but ultimately saw her shot blocked. The two sides were evenly-matched from then on, both waiting for opportunities to break through. Germany were able to see more of the ball and keep Denmark contained inside their own half, where they defended deep.

Vangsgaard nets the opener

Once again, it was Bühl who was then involved in another well-worked attack for Germany. The winger won possession in midfield before getting on the end of a pass from Brand at the top of the box and finishing nearly into the bottom corner. The goal would later be disallowed by the VAR, however, as Nüsken was in an offside position and blocking the Danish goalkeeper’s view of the ball (18’). At the other end, Pernille Harder managed to break through the German defence but Sarai Linder did well to cut off her run towards goal (24’).

Denmark would go on to net the opening goal just minutes later, after gaining possession in midfield before Vangsgaard finished the move with a well-placed shot past Berger from 13 metres out. Harder (28’) and Janni Thomsen (30’) both went close in the minutes that followed, as Germany struggled to find their way back into the game.

The final minutes of the opening half saw Germany record a flurry of late chances. First, Linder sent a looping shot towards goal that nearly caught goalkeeper Maja Bay Østergaard off guard (41’), before Wamser also tested the Danish shot-stopper (42’). Nüsken then levelled a shot at goal that sailed just over the bar (42’). Just minutes later, Sara Holmgaard forced Berger into making a save (44’). Denmark were on the front foot as the referee signalled for half-time.

Nüsken and Schüller turn the game around

The second half saw Denmark continue to defend deep and cut off Germany’s runs into the final third. Katrine Veje then brought down Linda Dallmann inside the box, with VAR awarding Wück’s side a penalty. Nüsken stepped up and converted the penalty into the bottom left corner with confidence (56’).

Germany continued to go in search of a second goal, but lacked precision in their passes. After gaining possession in midfield after Emma Faerge unluckily hit teammate Emma Snerle in the face with a clearance, Brand was able to pick out Schüller inside the box. The striker coolly converted her shot to put Germany ahead in the 66th minute. Schüller nearly netted a brace just four minutes later, but placed her header just wide of the post following a cross from Wamser. Wück made two changes shortly after, with Giovanna Hoffmann and Laura Freigang replacing Schüller and Dallmann (70'). 

Hoffmann didn't need long to settle into the game, sending a header just wide of the target (76'). Kathrin Hendrich was then brought on for Knaak in defence (81'). Bühl attempted a long-range shot in the 90th minute, but her effort went over the bar. Cora Zicai then came on to make her Women's EURO debut in added time, replacing Brand (90'+9). Shortly after, the full-time whistle went, signalling the end of the match. 

With the win, Germany currently have six points and sit second in the group due to goal difference. Their final group stage match will see them take on Sweden on 12th July in Zurich (21:00 CEST), with the winner assured of finishing top of the group.