It was one of the most anticipated duels of the group stage of Euro 2022. Germany emerged easily victorious from this shock of Pool B against Spain (2-0), Tuesday, July 12. At the end of this second victory, the German selection is the second nation qualified in the quarter-finals after England, without pity Monday evening against Norway.
And it didn’t take long to see a show at Brentford Community Stadium in London between these two tournament headliners. From the third minute, the Spanish goalkeeper, Sandra Panos, completely missed her clearance and restarted directly on her opponent. German striker Sandra Bühl, ideally located at the penalty spot, only had to push the ball into an almost empty goal to give her team the advantage.
90. Min.
BOOOM Wir stehen im Viertelfinale Traum-Abend!
WIR #IMTEAM #hungriGER #GERESP
UEFA/Sean O’Flaherty pic.twitter.com/hrNroM2IHS— DFB-Frauen (@DFB_Frauen) July 12, 2022
The Spaniards could not imagine a worse start to the game. Stunned, they nevertheless tried to put their foot on the ball to finally get into the game. Jorge Vilda’s players, who had almost 80% of the possession in the first period, chained the good offensive combinations, without managing to really worry Merle Frooms, the German door.
Quite the opposite of the Germans who knew how to take advantage of the slightest opportunity to score (two goals on their only two shots on target in the first half), like Alexandra Popp, the star of the team, who driven the nail of a crossed head on corner. Cold with realism, Germany had therefore made the break in the 37th minute.
After the break, the players of the “Roja” did try to wrap up the match, through Mariona Caldente, who concluded a great collective action with a volley from the inside. In vain. The FC Barcelona striker came up against Merle Frooms, hitherto little in demand, who dismissed his attempt at a reflex stop.
More generally, the defensive discipline of the Germans allowed the Nationalmannschaft players to spend a more than quiet second half. Germany continue their incredible streak of 100% Euro group stage wins since their introduction in 1997.
7 – Already qualified for the next round, Germany become the first team to successfully pass the group stage for the 7th time in as many EURO editions played in this format (since 1997). Taulières. #ALLESP pic.twitter.com/yeA1LI0B4i
— OptaJean (@OptaJean) July 12, 2022
Earlier in the day, Denmark, long held in check by Finland, also won (1-0). A result that revives the finalists of the last edition. The Danes scored their first three points in Group B thanks to a late header from captain and Chelsea star Pernille Harder (72nd).