Germany’s Women’s national team came out on top in the third placed playoff at the Algarve Cup. The two-time World Champions and eight-time European Champions beat Sweden, including their star Lotta Schelin, 2-1 at the Estadio Municipal Da Bela Vista in Parchal. Silvia Neid’s team got revenge for their 4-2 defeat in the group stage to the Scandinavians.
Anja Mittag, who plays for Swedish champions FC Rosengard, gave Germany the lead in only the third minute, before substitute Alexandra Popp made it 2-0 in the second half (52’). Sweden pulled one back through Sofia Jokobsson in the 64th minute but the DFB-Team were unable to restore their advantage. At the beginning of the tournament when these sides met Germany also took a two goal lead but then went on to concede four.
Strong start from Germany
In perfect conditions in Parchal, the current European Champions left nothing to be desired from the off. Germany put pressure on in the opening stages and Freiburg’s Lena Petermann had a chance to give her side the lead in the second minute in only her second first team start. Only a few seconds later, the young striker was on hand again as Mittag fired Germany 1-0 in front.
The DFB-Team were solid at the back, although Silvia Neid made six changes to the side that convincingly beat Brazil 3-1. VfL Wolfsburg’s Almuth Schult filled in between the posts once again in place of Nadine Angerer (Portland Thorns FC) and made her 20th appearance for Germany. The heart of the defence was made up of Annike Krahn (Paris St. Germain) and Babett Peter (VfL Wolfsburg), whilst there was a change of both full-backs. Kathrin Hendrich from 1. FFC Frankfurt started on the right, with 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam’s Tabea Kemme at left back, however she had to be brought off in the 40th minute and was replaced by Jennifer Cramer (1. FFC Turbine Potsdam).
Neid mixes up side
Silvia Neid also made changes in midfield, with Lena Goeßling (VfL Wolfsburg) and Sara Däbritz (SC Freiburg) starting together for the first time in holding midfield. Lira Alushi (Paris St. Germain) started on the right, with 1. FFC Frankfurt’s Simone Laudehr deployed on the left. Mittag came back into the side to start just behind striker Petermann.
Silvia Neid made further changes to the side at half time. Petermann, Laudehr and Peter were brought off in place of Celia Sasic (1. FFC Frankfurt), Popp (VfL Wolfsburg) and Dzsenifer Marozsan (1. FFC Frankfurt). The changes gave the side a new impetus as Popp went on to put Germany 2-0 in front in the 52nd minute.
Mittag and Popp miss good chances
A few minutes later, Mittag could have settled the game but her shot came back off the bar (59’). At the other end, Sweden left Germany’s bar rattling but Schelin’s shot fell to Jakobsson, who reduced the deficit with her fourth goal of the tournament (64’). In the 66th minute, Popp wasted a one-on-one chance with Sweden goalkeeper Carola Söberg to put the game beyond all doubt.
Sweden then came back into the game and had some good chances. Jokobsson hit the post, before Schult was unable to take advantage of the rebound (68’). Neid brought on Verena Faißt (VfL Wolfsburg) for goal scorer Mittag (71’) and Bayern München’s Leupolz for Däbritz in the 78th minute. Sweden pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages but Germany held on for the win.