News (engl.)

After finding themselves trailing 1-0 at half-time, the Germany women rallied after the break to beat Scotland 6-1 in Wolfsburg in the UEFA Women’s Nations League.

Four days on from their 4-0 win in Dundee, Germany started poorly and found themselves trailing in the 40th minute after a goal from Caroline Weir. Head coach Christian Wück’s side improved massively after the change of ends, turning the game around with five goals in the span of just 16 minutes through Selina Cerci (51’, 56’), Giovanna Hoffmann (63’, 65’) and Laura Freigang (67’). Cerci then completed her hat-trick in the 76th minute to round off the 6-1 win.

“The girls left me speechless twice today: once after the first half and once after the second half,” Wück told broadcaster ARD. “It’s remarkable to see two such different sides to a team in the same game. We cannot allow ourselves to play the way we did in the first half at the upcoming EUROs.” In a later interview, Cerci added, “We needed a good talking to at half time. If we play the way we did in the second half, then the EUROs could go very well for us.”

Scotland go close first after just 23 seconds

In contrast to last week's first leg where Germany found themselves ahead after just a minute played, it was Scotland who had an opportunity to take the lead early on. After just 23 seconds, goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger was forced to dive to push a shot from Weir wide of the target.

Germany struggled to take control of proceedings in front of a crowd of 16,102 fans in Wolfsburg, although Cerci managed to get off a shot on the turn in the fifth minute. The visitors remained alert and aggressive, with two shots failing to find the target in quick succession (10', 11').

The hosts managed to start winning more of their challenges around 25 minutes into the game, but continued to struggle to create good chances in front of goal. Lea Schüller saw her attempt blocked in the 37th minute, one of only a handful of shots from Germany in the opening half.

Minutes later, Scotland would stun the home fans into silence by taking the lead. Kirsty Hanson's shot was parried in front of goal by Berger, where Elisa Senß was unable to clear it away from the onrushing Weir. The striker was able to finish the ball tidily under Berger from close range to give Scotland a 1-0 lead heading into the break (40').

Half a dozen goals in the second half

Wück made two changes at the break, bringing on Sarai Linder and Giovanna Hoffmann for Franziska Kett and Schüller. The two substitutes instantly brought fresh energy into the game, with Hoffmann benefitting from an error at the back from defender Sophie Howard. The striker managed to round goalkeeper Lee Gibson, but had to watch as her shot only hit the post (50'). Germany then managed to draw level from the resulting corner, as Cerci headed home Giulia Gwinn's delivery (51').

The hosts then managed to put the ball into the back of the net for a second time soon after. Following a cross into the box, Hoffmann headed the ball against the crossbar as Cerci netted for the second time after poking home the rebound from close range (56'). After being denied twice by the woodwork, Hoffmann was later able to add her name to the scoresheet twice after two well-worked finishes from inside the box (63', 65'). Freigang then made it 5-1 with a stunning back-heel finish in at the far post (67').

Despite have come back to take a commanding lead, Germany continued to put their opponents under pressure. Cerci was rewarded with her third goal of the night in the 76th minute, completing her hat-trick with a well-struck effort from the edge of the box. Freigang's attempt from a tight angle in the 83rd minute was well-taken but couldn't find the back of the net, as Germany ultimately ended up winning comfortably after a second-half turnaround.

With the win, Germany currently sit top of Group A1 on goal difference, level on points with the Netherlands (both 10 points). Their Nations League campaign will pick up again in late May, with a home game against the Netherlands (30th May), following by an away game against Austria (3rd June).