Germany continue impressive form as win over Austria seals place in semi-finals

Germany carried their impressive group stage form into the knockout stages with a 2-0 win over Austria to reach the Euro 2022 semi-finals.

Germany went into the game having not conceded throughout the group stage – along with England – but unlike the host nation they sustained their record through an impressive quarter-final performance in Brentford.

Lina Magull capitalised on a well-crafted move from Germany to arrive on the ball unmarked and find the back of the net as the eight-time European champions remained in the hunt to add to their impressive record in the competition.

Austria looked to fight their way back into the tie after surprisingly qualifying for the knockout stages ahead of Norway, only to be denied three times by the woodwork during the 90 minutes.

Both sides could have scored in the final exchanges of the game, with Germany missing the target on a number of occasions. They netted a late second when a poor clearance from Manuela Zinsberger rebounded off Germany captain Alexandra Popp and into the back of the net.

Germany’s victory in front of 16,025 fans will see them play either France or the Netherlands in the second semi-final at 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 was played in behind the German back line but her low drive was gathered by Merle Frohms.

Germany hit back almost immediately at the other end as Popp was played into the centre of the box but her shot sailed over the bar.

Austria looked to be playing on the counter-attack but it proved effective and Marina Georgieva’s looping header was only denied by the post.

The breakthrough came after just 26 minutes when