Published: 19:00, 21 July 2022 | Updated: 22:34, July 21, 2022
Germany carried their impressive group stage form into the knockout stages with a 2-0 win over Austria to reach the semi-finals of Euro 2022. Germany went into the game without conceding throughout the group stage – along with England – but unlike the host nation they maintained their record with an impressive quarter-final performance in Brentford. Lina Magull took advantage of a well-worked move from Germany to reach the ball unmarked and find the net as the eight-time European champions remained in the hunt to add to their impressive record in the competition. Lina Mogul was on the scoresheet as Germany beat Austria to reach the semi-finals Austria tried to claw their way back into the tie after stunningly advancing to the knockouts ahead of Norway, only to be denied three times by the woodwork over the course of 90 minutes. Both teams could have scored in the final exchanges of the match, with Germany missing the target on several occasions. They earned a second when a poor clearance from Manuela Zinsberger sent the rebound off Germany captain Alexandra Popp and into the back of the net. Victory for Germany in front of 16,025 fans will see them play either France or the Netherlands in the second semi-final in Milton Keynes on Wednesday. Despite Germany going into the game as strong favourites, it was Austria who had the first chance on goal when Julia Hickelsberger-Fuller played in behind the German backline but her low drive was gathered by Merle Frohms. Euro 2022 sensation Alexandra Popp made it 2-0 in the last leg. Germany’s players celebrate after securing their place in the semi-finals of Euro 20227 Germany hit back almost immediately at the other end as Pop broke into the center of the box but her shot went over the bar. Austria looked to be playing on the counter-attack but proved effective and Marina Georgieva’s header was only deflected off the post. The breakthrough came after just 26 minutes when Germany opened up Austria’s defence, Klara Buhl beating Austria captain Carina Wenninger to the ball down the left before cutting to Popp from the byline. Popp ran over the ball to allow Magull to sidestep into the corner to give her team the lead. Austria’s players and coach Irene Fuhrman are disappointed at the final whistle Germany had a chance to double their advantage just on the stroke of half-time, but Svenja Huth could have fired straight at the keeper after beating the offside trap. In what would have been a contender for goal of the tournament, Barbara Dunst tried her luck from the area with a looping, curling shot from well outside the area and goalkeeper Frohms was beaten as the ball dipped, but Austria were denied by carpentry for the second time in the game. Austria looked to pile on the pressure at the start of the second half and were once again denied by the post, this time by Sarah Puntigam’s low drive. Germany players and fans celebrate after their victory at the Community Stadium in Brentford Germany substitute Linda Dallmann had a chance to secure her side’s place in the semi-finals in the 69th minute when she finished, but her effort to catch goalkeeper Zinsberger was just over the bar. In the 78th minute, Buhl’s good drive from outside the area hit the woodwork, but Popp sealed the win late on. Recap as Sportsmail provided live coverage of the Euro 2022 Women’s quarter-final between Germany and Austria.
