Germany Crush South Africa, Cruise into 2019 Women's World Cup Knockout Stage
Jun 17, 2019
MONTPELLIER, FRANCE - JUNE 17: Alexandra Popp of Germany celebrates with teammates after scoring her team's third goal during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France group B match between South Africa and Germany at Stade de la Mosson on June 17, 2019 in Montpellier, France. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
Germany completed a perfect group-stage campaign at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup as they beat South Africa 4-0 on Monday.
As a result of picking up three wins from three in Group B, the German side advance to the last 16 as group winners and will face one of the best third-placed sides.
Germany were strong favourites going into Monday's clash at Montpellier's Stade de la Mosson, and they secured a comfortable victory after goals from Melanie Leupolz, Sara Dabritz, Alexandra Popp and Lina Magull.
South Africa will return home from France 2019 after a disappointing campaign in which they lost all three group games.
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Germany had been unspectacular in their opening two games in France as they beat both China and Spain 1-0.
On Monday, though, they could have scored 10. Popp and Dabritz both squandered early opportunities.
But it did not take long for the two-time world champions to go ahead.
In the 14th minute, Verena Schweers floated in a corner, and an unmarked Leupolz headed home from the six-yard line:
1048 - Melanie Leupolz scored for Germany for the first time in 1048 days, since netting at the 2016 Olympics against Zimbabwe. Stage. #FIFAWWCpic.twitter.com/2JQvKkrn94
Minutes later, Dabritz forced the first of numerous fine saves from South Africa goalkeeper Andile Dlamini, and Popp blazed over the bar on the follow-up.
Dabritz made no mistake just before the hour, though, when she turned home Germany's second after Dlamini could only palm away Schweers' cross-cum-shot.
Two more glaring misses from Svenja Huth and Marina Hegering were then followed by Popp's World Cup opener five minutes from the break:
GOAL! South Africa 0-3 Germany.
Another for Germany. A cross from the right is met by a towering header from Alexandra Popp. Nicely taken!
The 28-year-old striker rose brilliantly to plant a fierce header from eight yards into the back of the net and effectively wrap up the contest before half time.
In the second half, it could have got embarrassing for South Africa had Dlamini not been on hand to save further efforts from Leupolz, Dabritz and Lea Schuller:
Andile Dlamini..!!!👏👏👏#BanyanaBanyana vs Germany 🇩🇪 With some good saves.
— Amanda toki Dlamini (@Amanda_Dlamini9) June 17, 2019
She also pushed Hegering's header onto the post in the build-up to Germany's fourth just before the hour, but Magull was on hand to sweep home from less than a yard out.
South Africa had their chances for a consolation, as Janine van Wyk's speculative effort from 40 yards whistled over the bar and Thembi Kgatlana forced a save out of Almuth Schult.
But Germany had dropped a few gears by then and still caused their own problems in the dying stages.
South Africa vs. Germany: Odds, Live Stream, TV Info for Women's World Cup 2019
Jun 16, 2019
VALENCIENNES, FRANCE - JUNE 12: Alexandra Popp of Germany looks on during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France group B match between Germany and Spain at Stade du Hainaut on June 12, 2019 in Valenciennes, France. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
Germany face South Africain a Group B clash at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup on Monday.
The Germans collected maximum points from their games against China and Spain and have booked a spot in the knockout rounds.
South Africa are all but eliminated after failing to gain any points in their two fixtures.
Odds: Germany 1-12, South Africa 23-1, draw 11-1 (via Oddschecker)
Preview
The two-time champions have been in cruise control during the group stage, not being at their clinical best in France but still being good enough to beat their opponents.
There might be concerns that one of the tournament favourites could only win both their opening games 1-0, but Germany have the experience and quality to simmer until they need to turn up the heat.
Spain showed teams could dominate the ball against the Germans but that it's incredibly difficult to penetrate their back line.
Barring an unlikely thumping of Germany on Monday, South Africa's competition is over. They are unable to finish in the top two of Group B, and their minus-three goal difference means they will need a several-goal margin of victory on Monday to have a chance of earning a round-of-16 berth as one of the best third-placed sides.
This is the first time the two nations have played in the women's game, and given the pressure will be off against a side that needs to go for it, Germany could feel this is the perfect opportunity to let their guard down and allow their forwards off the leash.
The midfield has provided Germany's two goals at the tournament, with Giulia Gwinn and Sara Dabritz scoring, and more will be expected from Alexandra Popp.
The striker is an iconic figure in the Germany camp and her country's skipper.
VALENCIENNES, FRANCE - JUNE 12: Alexandra Popp of Germany kicks the ball against Virginia Torrecilla of Spain during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France group B match between Germany and Spain at Stade du Hainaut on June 12, 2019 in Valenciennes, Franc
According to Steffen Potter of FIFA, Popp said at the start of the tournament that any of the top nations could win the World Cup.
"The fact is I don't see a clear favourite. There are a lot of contenders: USA, France, who are the hosts and have come on a lot, and I don't think people have been talking enough about England either. They've improved a great deal too. I'm also looking forward to seeing what reigning European champions the Netherlands do. As for us, we're still among the favourites, of course."
Germany coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg is likely to rotate her team during Monday's encounter in Montpellier.
The team's important battles are in the future, but Germany will still want to maintain their perfect record in the tournament.
Sara Dabritz Goal Sees Germany Edge Past Spain at 2019 Women's World Cup
Jun 12, 2019
Germany's midfielder Sara Dabritz (C) celebrates after scoring a goal during the France 2019 Women's World Cup Group B football match between Germany and Spain, on June 12, 2019, at the Hainaut Stadium in Valenciennes, northern France. (Photo by Philippe HUGUEN / AFP) (Photo credit should read PHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images)
Germany registered their second 1-0 win in succession at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup on Wednesday, with Sara Dabritz's first-half goal seeing them past Spain.
It was Spain who bossed long spells of the contest, only for some slack defensive play to undo their good work in the 42nd minute. Dabritz was fastest to react at the back post to a loose ball, sliding past her marker to turn home from close range.
The win for Germany sees them guarantee a spot in the knockout stages, having already beaten China in their Group B opener. Spain still have China to face and know a win will be enough for them to advance, too.
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Spain flew out of the traps and had a number of chances to take the lead in the game.
Nahikari Garcia was the biggest threat for La Roja, as she was foiled by Almuth Schult inside the first minute. The Spain forward then appeared set to pull the trigger in a dangerous area, only for Sara Doorsoun to get back and make a crucial intervention.
Women's football writer Jen O'Neill commented on what had been an impressive spell early on:
Twice Nahikari has been through on the goal and failed to force a save out of Schult. First time was during the downpour and Hegering got back to challenge, this time the GK hesitated but she put it wide. Now Mesegeur fires wide. It's all #ESP so far. 0-0
Germany were finding their opponents tough to cut through and when they did eventually sneak in front three minutes before the break it was largely down to poor defending.
Alexandra Popp's header was smartly saved by goalkeeper Sandra Panos and Spain captain Marta Torrejon appeared to get to the rebound first. However, she dallied in possession in a dangerous area, allowing Dabritz to slide ahead of her and bundle the ball over the line.
BBC's Match of the Day shared footage of the unusual goal:
While Spain were in control of possession in the second period, there was more positive signs for Germany after half time. Popp again prompted Panos into action, before Klara Buhl's effort was pounced upon by the Spain stopper.
There was a moment of controversy on the hour-mark as Spain sought to get back into the contest. Lucia Garcia appeared set to race onto a through ball, only to be tripped by Verena Schweers. However, the Germany player was only shown a yellow card.
In the final stages, Spain ran out of ideas and in the crucial moments it was Germany who operated with more assurance. Per Squawka Football, when it comes to the group stages of this competition they are adept at getting the job done:
Germany's Women’s National Team have only ever lost one match in the World Cup Group Stages:
Spain have the makings of a fine side. The manner in which they build play is pleasing to watch, as is the individual technical ability of some of their players. Even so, if they're to progress at the France showpiece, they need some incision to match their possession play.
Germany have been far from their best in their two games so far, although you suspect they'll improve as the tournament goes on. At the moment, their rock-solid defence appears set to provide a platform for another deep run at the World Cup.
