Germany Women 2 – 0 Austria Women

Germany showed their ruthless streak again as Lina Magull and Alexandra Popp pounced on defensive errors to beat Austria 2-0 and reach the Euro 2022 semi-finals.

Germany had blown away Denmark, Spain and Finland to win Group C at a canter but were given a run for their money by a surprisingly front-foot Austrian performance, and were indebted to some fine luck and wayward finishing before Popp’s late second from a Manuela Zinsberger howler.

Marina Georgieva’s early header first cannoned back off the post in a bright Austria start, before Germany took the lead when their high press caused a defensive mix-up which gave Magull a simple finish from 12 yards (25).

Both sides would strike the goalframe twice after half-time, with Sarah Puntigam denied when she looked certain to score from a corner Germany had failed to clear.

Klara Buhl then struck the bar herself from long range before missing an open goal minutes later as Germany pressed for a second.

It did follow in the final minute of normal time when Zinsberger’s goal-kick cannoned off Popp’s back and in to leave the goalkeeper red-faced, and Germany celebrating another win – and another clean sheet – to set up a semi-final against either France or Netherlands next Wednesday.

More to follow…

What’s next?

Germany will take on the winner of Saturday’s quarter-final between France and reigning champions Netherlands at Stadium MK next Wednesday; kick-off at 8pm.

The knock-out phase…

Quarter-finals

Wednesday July 20

Quarter-final 1: England 2-1 Spain (AET)

Thursday July 21

Quarter-final 2: Germany 2-0 Austria

Friday July 22

Quarter-final 3: Sweden vs Belgium – kick-off 8pm, Leigh Sports Village

Saturday July 23

Quarter-final 4: France vs Netherlands – kick-off 8pm, New York Stadium

Semi-finals

Tuesday July 26

Semi-final 1: England vs Sweden or Belgium – kick-off 8pm, Bramall Lane

Wednesday July 27

Semi-final 2: Germany or Austria vs France or Netherlands – kick-off 8pm, Stadium MK

Final

Sunday July 31

Winners semi-final 1 v Winners semi-final 2 – kick-off 5pm, Wembley