Finally a win! The German women’s national team have beaten China 2-0 in their second game of the Algarve Cup. After the disappointing opening defeat to Sweden, the German team celebrated its first win in the prestigious Algarve Cup. With 3 points, Germany currently occupy third place in Group A and in theory still have a chance of making it to the final which will include the best winners from two of the three groups. In the other game, new leaders Brazil beat the Swedes 2-0, who are level on points but are in second place.
Anja Mittag scored after 41 minutes to take a deserved lead before substitute Alexandra Popp wrapped up the win in the 76th minute. The final match will take place on Monday (18:30CET) against Brazil. The Algarve Cup is considered the most important warm up competition before the summer’s World Cup in Canada. (6th June-5th July)
National coach Neid makes eight changes after defeat
National coach Silvia Neid swung the proverbial axe and made eight changes to the starting XI after a poor start against Sweden. As previously arranged, Almuth Schulth of Wolfsburg started in goal in place of first choice Nadine Krahn. Leonie Maier, Babett Peter and late call up Tabea Kemme made up the back four. In front of them, Sara Däbritz and Melanie Leupolz played as holding midfielders.
Neid also made changes in attack: Anja Mittag replaced Alexandra Popp behind the central striker. Freiburg’s Lena Petermann enjoyed her national team debuat, whilst Celia Sasic was only substitute, following her 100th game for Germany against Sweden.
Mittag opens the scoring
Much to the regret of the 502 fans in the Stadion Vila Real de Santo Antonio, the first half was mostly uneventful. In an extremely tactical game, the effort was there from the German team, but they were lacking any quality chances on goal. The Chinese proved tenacious opponents and despite the high intensity of the German team, they allowed everything but a high speed game to take place.
The well deserved lead came just before the half time whistle thanks to a solo effort from Anja Mittag. After winning the ball back brilliantly in midfield, the striker from Swedish side FC Rosengård was allowed plenty of space around the penalty area and struck a low from 20 yards into the bottom left corner. Before that, referee Lucila Venegas from Mexico had disallowed a go because of an alleged handball. The Chinese had very little, if anything, to offer in attack and were completely unable to threaten Germany’s chances of victory.
Germany patient- Popp makes it all ok
The second half was very similar. The Germans continued to search patiently for an opportunity to break down the compact Chinese defence. Neid made more chances as the half progressed, which proved pivotal when, in the 76th minute, substitute Dzsenifer Marozsán crossed it perfectly to other substitute Alexandra Popp, who headed in to seal the 2-0 win.
Just before the final whistle Silvia Neid had another cause for concern when substitute Luisa Wensing twisted her ankle, without contact from another player and was carried off the pitch. Before the match World Player of the Year Nadine Keßler announced she would miss the World Cup because of knee surgery.