WWC: Germany 4-2 France

July 6th, 2011 | by: Anne | Comments Off

By guest blogger Clarissa

In the final game of the group stages, Germany beat France by four goals to two. It was the best showing of the German women’s national team to date.

Coach Sylvia Neid had changed the starting line-up at four positions. As expected, Birgit Prinz was benched in favour of Inka Grings. Linda Bresonik (stomach bug), Kim Kulig (in danger of a second yellow card) and Melanie Behringer (injury) were also out. Instead Schmidt, Göeßling and Bajramaj got to show what they could do from the start.

Germany started the match much better than the previous two outings, and was able to dominate the first half. The passing movement and the attack moves were much better, and consequently Kerstin Garefrekes scored the first goal. It was a powerful header after a beautiful free kick from Babett Peter, who had a really good game overall. Inka Grings, who also was particularly lively, scored the second goal. Again it was a header, and this time the cross was provided by the tireless Simone Laudehr (who really got stuck in, despite being in danger of a second yellow card). The French team was very harmless in the first half, and unable to really threaten the German goal.

Shortly after the start of the second half, the French team was able to get on the scoresheet after some shoddy defending from Germany on a corner. The goal scorer was Delie. In an action-packed game, the next important scene came in the 65th minute. Lira Bajramaj was running in on goal, when the French keeper tackled her without getting the ball. Germany was awarded a penalty, and the French keeper was sent off (which was a bit harsh perhaps). Inka Grings converted the penalty without problems.

However, Germany again fell asleep on a corner and conceded a second goal in the 72nd minute. Nevertheless, they managed to hang on, and Celia Okoyino da Mbabi put the game to rest in the 88th minute with Germany’s fourth goal. Overall it was a much improved performance by Germany, except for the defensive frailties on corners. Still, that was a result that can be built upon.

In the quarter finals, Germany will meet the runner up of group B, Japan. I have been impressed by Japan so far, they play a great short passing game. However, watching the England-Japan game, you could also see their height and physical disadvantage. England scored two goals, while in front of goal the Japanese were wasteful. If Germany employs a similar tactic to England (i.e. long balls and crosses) we should be able to win against Japan with relative ease.

Till then!

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