News (engl.)

Germany’s women’s national team have secured their place in the UEFA Women’s Nations League Final Four with a convincing 4-0 win over the Netherlands in their penultimate group match. Playing in front of more than 32,000 fans at Bremen’s Weserstadion, Christian Wück’s side delivered a dominant display. Linda Dallmann (9’), Lea Schüller (25’, 48’) and Sarai Linder (45’) were on target for the hosts.

Ann-Katrin Berger started in goal, with captain Giulia Gwinn, Janina Minge, Rebecca Knaak and Linder forming the back-four. Jule Brand and Klara Bühl provided width in midfield, while Elisa Senß, Sjoeke Nüsken and Dallmann controlled the centre. Schüller led the line up front.

From the first whistle, Germany looked the sharper side and immediately put the Dutch under pressure. The early breakthrough came after a cleared corner was recycled by Bühl, whose cross found Minge in the box. Although she mishit her shot, she recovered and squared to Dallmann, who made no mistake from ten yards, curling the ball into the bottom corner (9').

First-half dominance sets the tone

Germany kept up the intensity after taking the lead, stringing together slick passing moves through midfield and winning the majority of duels. Schüller went close with a header just over the bar following a Brand cross (21'), but made amends shortly afterwards. After winning the ball high up the pitch, Nüsken played a sharp ball into Brand, whose low delivery was tapped in at the back post by Schüller (25').

With a two-goal cushion, Germany remained firmly in control. Nüsken saw a powerful effort flash past the far post (28'), and Gwinn’s inviting cross narrowly evaded her teammates (42'). Just before the interval, they made it three. Minge’s excellent through ball found Linder bursting forward, and the defender coolly slotted home her first international goal from 11 yards (45'). The home side went into the break to rapturous applause.

No let-up after the restart

If anyone expected Germany to ease off in the second half, they were quickly proven wrong. A clever flick from Dallmann set Gwinn free on the right, and the captain’s pinpoint cross was met by Schüller, who powered in a header for her second of the evening (48’). She was replaced shortly after by Giovanna Hoffmann to warm applause, while Kathrin Hendrich came on for Minge.

Germany continued to push forward after the double substitution. The Netherlands had to clear off the line following a corner (57’), and Bühl twice came close – first dragging a shot just wide from distance (57’), then drawing a strong save from Lize Kop after a powerful effort from outside the box (65’).

Standing ovation in Bremen

The sold-out Weserstadion roared its approval throughout, recognising the team’s commitment and quality with chants and standing ovations. Germany began to sit a little deeper but remained far more threatening than their Dutch opponents. Three more changes followed: Selina Cerci, Sara Däbritz and Carlotta Wamser came on for Bühl, Senß and Gwinn.

In the final stages, Germany controlled possession and saw out the match with composure. The final whistle was met with celebrations from players and fans alike, as Germany confirmed their place in the Nations League Final Four with a game to spare.

Germany wrap up their group stage campaign on Tuesday night (20:30 CEST) when they travel to Vienna to take on Austria. After that, attention turns to the European Championship in Switzerland, where they’ll face Poland (4th July), Denmark (8th July), and Sweden (12th July) in Group C.