Popp poked the Germans into a deserved lead, but France with Kadidiatou Diani and an unlucky Merle Frohms ensured a lightning-quick equalizer just before half-time. The stage was nevertheless set for more pop atmosphere in England, and a quarter of an hour before the end, the German star striker was completely raw in France’s box. – How do you defend against such a player? asked TV 2’s Endre Olav Osnes. The 31-year-old sent Germany into the lead with a powerful header. It led to a desperate France in the final minutes, but goalkeeper Merle Frohms stood heroically against all French attempts. Popp is the first player in EC history to score in five consecutive matches. German dominance Germany were narrow favorites before the match and took control of the match from the start. The clock showed 20 minutes when the Germans and Alexandra Popp received a free kick from just over 19 metres. – It is a very well struck free kick, said news’s football expert Melissa Wiik-Kovacs. But France’s goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin was out at full stretch and saved the ball for a corner. CRUELTY SHOWN: Alexandra Popp after her fifth goal in the EC. Photo: JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP The German pressure continued and just before the break the crowd could raise the goal sign. Popp showed rawness in the box after a cross from Svenja Huth and scored his fifth goal in a row in the championship with his toe. – Just as Michel Platini did in the EC in 1984, said news’s commentator Olav Traaen. – You world And Platini’s compatriots answered back. PSG player Kadidiatou Diani tried his luck just outside the penalty area. The shot hit the post, via an unlucky Germany goalkeeper Merle Frohms who scored an own goal in the last minute of the first half. – The world that this match has taken up, said Traaen. COULD CHEER: France’s Kadidiatou Diani. Photo: Alessandra Tarantino / AP An hour into the match, France had three great opportunities to take the lead. First it was Selma Bacha who was only a sacrificial Hegering away from scoring, before captain Wendie Renard had a double chance on the subsequent corner kick. But it was Germany’s captain Popp who took care of their scoring chances. With her second score of the match, she is joint top scorer with England’s Beth Mead. Bacha and Mateo both had opportunities to equalise, but it will be Germany and England who meet in this year’s EC final. With its eight titles, Germany is the winningest nation on both the women’s and men’s side in the EC.
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Brennhete Popp made history – sent Germany to the EC final – news Sport – Sports news, results and broadcasting schedule
