Magull and Popp strike to sink Austria and send Germany into semi-finals

Germany are one game away from their ninth European Championship final but they were given an almighty fright. An absorbing, see-sawing contest was settled by Lina Magull’s first-half goal and a bizarre late strike from Alexandra Popp but Austria ran them close and would have merited a spell of extra-time. The outsiders hit the woodwork three times and, although Germany did the same on two occasions, they should be lauded for carrying the fight. In the event Martina Voss-Tecklenburg can prepare her players for a mouthwatering semi-final against France or the Netherlands in the knowledge that it will take an outstanding team to dislodge them now.

Although these neighbours had only met twice previously, there were few secrets between them. Eight of Austria’s starting XI play in the German top flight and that fact alone was a reminder that, while clear underdogs, Irene Fuhrmann’s side are streetwise and increasingly battle-hardened. They began confidently enough after withstanding a minor tornado in the opening seconds. The tackles soon flew in, befitting the stakes, and the Germany defender Marina Hegering required treatment after one challenge in midfield.

Austria’s group stage campaign was notable for their composure in possession but they showed an explosive side when Julia Hickelsberger-Füller, charging through on the right after a clever touch, shot straight at Merle Frohms when well placed. Perhaps attack would prove the best form of defence: their back line was weakened by injury to the captain, Viktoria Schnaderbeck, who was only fit for the bench and looked on as Popp blazed over from Klara Bühl’s lay-off.

That was a let-off but Austria made much of the early running. They came agonisingly close in the 13th minute