BRENTFORD COMMUNITY STADIUM — On the night German football paid tribute to one of its most iconic captains in Uwe Seeler, a 2-0 victory over Austria might have read as an advert for the Frauen-Bundesliga. If that were the case, it was not only because Germany’s flawless record at these Euros continued.
Austria have 13 players of their own based in the league and in a contest of two nations who feel they have been underestimated – Germany, even as eight-time champions – Austria once again proved why they should never have been written off.
It seems reductive to label Irene Furhmann’s side as industrious, robust and organised. They are all of those things, but they possessed a willingness to attack Germany that will have come as a surprise to Merle Frohms had she expected a quiet night in goal.
Austria got here by sitting deep and frustrating opponents, as England know only too well. Yet were it not for the breadth of the woodwork – they were denied three times, no less – they might have made their way into the last four of a European Championship for the second time running.
More from Football
Spain's Paredes escapes charge despite claims of biased refereeing in England Euro 2022 defeat21 July, 2022
Millie Bright has become a Rolls-Royce defender spearheading England through Euro 202221 July, 2022
Newcastle told to double Harrison offer, Sunderland in Parrott race, Liverpool's youth focus21 July, 2022Marina Georgieva saw her header rattle off the woodwork from a corner, before Barbara Dunst spotted Frohms off her line. Perhaps she had been watching Georgia Stanway, who will soon be in the Bundesliga herself with Bayern Munich, as she had plenty of time on the ball but went for the spectacular. Her strike from 30 yards rebounded dangerously off the crossbar. Sadly, something in her kilter has been off; Dunst has had more attempts than any other player at these Euros without scoring or assisting.
The technique on Sarah Puntigam’s half-volley was just as deft, but Frohms appeared to have it covered when it clanged against the post.
The truth about sides like Austria, and indeed all of Germany’s opponents so far, is that none of this ultimately matters. They can find no real answer to this attack. Klara Buhl robbed Carina Wenninger in possession, Alexandra Popp leapt up for the dummy and Lina Magull pinged the ball into the far corner. Arsenal goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger has had many happier nights in the English capital, but the move that led to Germany’s goal had begun with her having too slow a response to their pressing.
Svenja Huth tried the same trick on Wenninger, drifting between each flank and dragging Austria’s back four with her. Giulia Gwinn, named Best Young Player at the 2019 World Cup and impressing again on the biggest stage, trickled continuously through the middle to complement the flicks of Magull.
Lena Oberdorf is the powerhouse that allows them fluidity. After her most crunching tackle of the night, Oberdorf rose to her feet, screamed, and patted the Germany badge on her shirt.
Popp, who has scored in every match so far, is equally relentless, adding the second – Zinsberger’s unfortunate clearance bouncing off the forward – as injury time approached.
This is what England will be up against should they both make the final. There is a long way to go before those assessments can be made, but it is only right that Germany are being seen as the “other’ team to beat.
from Football | News and analysis from the Premier League and beyond | iNews https://ift.tt/9rOh2QY
Post a Comment