Northern Ireland, here we come! The Germany U19 women's side clinched their third win in the second qualification round to seal their place in the European Championships, which take place from 8th to 20th August. Maren Meinert's side earned a thoroughly convincing 7-1 win against Poland in Sandersdorf-Brehna, ensuring their qualification and their place as group winners.
"The result shows that we were clearly the dominant side and we kept that going until the end," said Meinert. "It was a difficult game for us, as Poland are very strong on the counter, but going ahead early put us in the deciding position."
Laura Freigang opened the scoring in the 24th minute, and the lead was doubled just four minutes later by Guilia Gwinn. The team carried a three-goal advantage into the break thanks to right back Caroline Siems's strike just two minutes before the break. Poland looked to be getting back into things on restart, getting on the scoresheet through Dominika Grabowska in the 53rd minute, but it appeared to act as a wake-up call for Germany, who became relentless. Freigang rounded off a hat-trick thanks to goals in the 56th and 59th minutes, while Gwinn got her own second from the penalty spot eight minutes from time. The icing on the cake came in the form of Tanja Pawollek's goal in the final minute of added time. A draw would have been enough for Germany to qualify, but the emphatic victory was credit to all involved.
Only minor starting problems
Germany had a few small teething issues at the start of the campaign, battling to a 2-0 victory against Switzerland on Friday, which may have pushed them to go heavier in search of the early third goal against Poland, whom they also beat in the Elite Round going into the European Championships last year, winning 3-1.
With that result, the list of EUROs participants is complete. Spain, England, the Netherlands, Scotland and Italy had already secured their places as group winners, with France joining the list as best-finishing second place side alongside hosts Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland, here we come! The Germany U19 women's side clinched their third win in the second qualification round to seal their place in the European Championships, which take place from 8th to 20th August. Maren Meinert's side earned a thoroughly convincing 7-1 win against Poland in Sandersdorf-Brehna, ensuring their qualification and their place as group winners.
"The result shows that we were clearly the dominant side and we kept that going until the end," said Meinert. "It was a difficult game for us, as Poland are very strong on the counter, but going ahead early put us in the deciding position."
Laura Freigang opened the scoring in the 24th minute, and the lead was doubled just four minutes later by Guilia Gwinn. The team carried a three-goal advantage into the break thanks to right back Caroline Siems's strike just two minutes before the break. Poland looked to be getting back into things on restart, getting on the scoresheet through Dominika Grabowska in the 53rd minute, but it appeared to act as a wake-up call for Germany, who became relentless. Freigang rounded off a hat-trick thanks to goals in the 56th and 59th minutes, while Gwinn got her own second from the penalty spot eight minutes from time. The icing on the cake came in the form of Tanja Pawollek's goal in the final minute of added time. A draw would have been enough for Germany to qualify, but the emphatic victory was credit to all involved.
Only minor starting problems
Germany had a few small teething issues at the start of the campaign, battling to a 2-0 victory against Switzerland on Friday, which may have pushed them to go heavier in search of the early third goal against Poland, whom they also beat in the Elite Round going into the European Championships last year, winning 3-1.
With that result, the list of EUROs participants is complete. Spain, England, the Netherlands, Scotland and Italy had already secured their places as group winners, with France joining the list as best-finishing second place side alongside hosts Northern Ireland.
