Germany continue impressive form with win over Austria to reach 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.

The eight-time winners extended their run of having not conceded a goal in the competition as Lina Magull scored after a well-crafted move midway through the first half.

Alexandra Popp capitalised on an error by goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger to close down a clearance and benefit from the rebound as she scored for the fourth successive match.

France or the Netherlands await in the second semi-final at Milton Keynes on Wednesday.

Germany may have needed a 90th-minute Popp goal to make sure of their progress but coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg said there should be no doubt they did not deserve to go through. “We played against a very good side. Huge compliments to Austria. The game could have ended 6-3,” she said post-match. “We didn’t want to concede so many set pieces but we did better in the second half and I still believe that we leave the pitch as deserved winners.” Midfielder Lina Magull added: “It was end to end for the whole 90 minutes. It was a very intense game. Compliments to Austria: they never stop fighting. We were also a bit lucky because we gave them too many chances.” Austria coach Irene Fuhrmann felt her players gave everything, saying: “It’s a hard moment right after the game. When we look back, the team can feel very proud of how they have played — not just today but throughout the tournament. We demanded everything from Germany.”

Sweden boss Peter Gerhardsson was tight-lipped over his selection issues ahead of their quarter-final with Belgium. Defenders Hanna Glas and Emma Kullberg both tested positive for Covid on Wednesday and their coach refused to discuss their