The six-time champions Germany beat Italy 2-1 (1-0) and advance to the semifinals at the 2009 European Championships in Finland. Two quick strikes by forward Inka Grings at the beginning of each half helped the DFB-team to a comfortable cushion, but then Patrizia Panico’s goal reduced the German lead to 2-1…and brought back the excitement. German keeper Nadine Angerer had to save her team with an unbelievable parry in the final seconds. Germany now moves on to meet the winner of the Sweden-Norway match in the semis on Monday.
“Most things went according to plan. But we should have decided the outcome much earlier in the game, as we did have many scoring chances”, said German coach Silvia Neid following the win over Italy.
European Championship 2009: Germany vs Italy
The win comes with a sour taste, as defender Ariane Hingst had to leave the game during halftime. The two-time World Champion might have torn her meniscus, according to an initial medical examination.
In front of 2,500 fans in Lahti, the DFB-team did not waste any time. With barely four minutes played, Melanie Behringer kicked the ball into the penalty-box, where Inka Grings converted the opportunity. One quick turn, a strike into the left corner, and Germany took the 1-0 lead.
Still, Italy remained true to their successful strategy, only relying on counterattacks. At halftime, Neid was forced to replace Hingst with Sonja Fuss, while Simone Laudehr entered the game for Bianca Schmidt. When Laudehr centered the ball just two minutes into the second half, it was once again Inka Grings that scored for Germany.
Germany remains undefeated in the tournament and registered their fourth win in Finland.
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The six-time champions Germany beat Italy 2-1 (1-0) and advance to the semifinals at the 2009 European Championships in Finland. Two quick strikes by forward Inka Grings at the beginning of each half helped the DFB-team to a comfortable cushion, but then Patrizia Panico’s goal reduced the German lead to 2-1…and brought back the excitement. German keeper Nadine Angerer had to save her team with an unbelievable parry in the final seconds. Germany now moves on to meet the winner of the Sweden-Norway match in the semis on Monday.
“Most things went according to plan. But we should have decided the outcome much earlier in the game, as we did have many scoring chances”, said German coach Silvia Neid following the win over Italy.
European Championship 2009: Germany vs Italy
The win comes with a sour taste, as defender Ariane Hingst had to leave the game during halftime. The two-time World Champion might have torn her meniscus, according to an initial medical examination.
In front of 2,500 fans in Lahti, the DFB-team did not waste any time. With barely four minutes played, Melanie Behringer kicked the ball into the penalty-box, where Inka Grings converted the opportunity. One quick turn, a strike into the left corner, and Germany took the 1-0 lead.
Still, Italy remained true to their successful strategy, only relying on counterattacks. At halftime, Neid was forced to replace Hingst with Sonja Fuss, while Simone Laudehr entered the game for Bianca Schmidt. When Laudehr centered the ball just two minutes into the second half, it was once again Inka Grings that scored for Germany.
Germany remains undefeated in the tournament and registered their fourth win in Finland.
