A successful start to the Olympic Games. The Germany women’s team began their tournament with a 6-1 win over Zimbabwe, putting themselves top of Group F. Sara Däbritz gave Silvia Neid’s team the lead and an own goal from Eunice Chibanda rounded off the scoring. Canada beat Australia 2-0 in the second match in the group.
“I am very happy with the team’s performance. Zimbabwe played well, stayed compact and at times found a way through. The referee could have also called up a few more things. We could have scored a few more but we now have three points and six goals,” said Neid following the game.
Germany were the dominant side from the first whistle and it was emphasised when they took the lead in the 22nd minute – as Däbritz headed in from a Dzenifer Marozsán corner. Shortly before the Germans had an uncomfortable moment as Simone Laudehr was forced off following a strong challenge. She was replaced by Melanie Leupolz.
Popp makes it 2-0
Germany continued to control the game after taking the lead and a cross from substitute Leupolz found Alexandra Popp who doubled the lead with her head. Germany had more chances before half-time, such as a Melanie Behringer effort from 18-yards that came back off the post, but couldn’t add to their lead before break.
The first good attack from the Zimbabweans came just after the restart. From the edge of the box, Rutendo Makore tested Germany goalkeeper Almuth Schult, who could only parry the ball straight into the danger area. Kudakwashe Basopo was on hand to stab the ball home and get a goal back for Zimbabwe. The celebrations didn’t last long though as Behringer restored Germany’s two goal cushion with a free-kick from 25 metres.
A successful start to the Olympic Games. The Germany women’s team began their tournament with a 6-1 win over Zimbabwe, putting themselves top of Group F. Sara Däbritz gave Silvia Neid’s team the lead and an own goal from Eunice Chibanda rounded off the scoring. Canada beat Australia 2-0 in the second match in the group.
“I am very happy with the team’s performance. Zimbabwe played well, stayed compact and at times found a way through. The referee could have also called up a few more things. We could have scored a few more but we now have three points and six goals,” said Neid following the game.
Germany were the dominant side from the first whistle and it was emphasised when they took the lead in the 22nd minute – as Däbritz headed in from a Dzenifer Marozsán corner. Shortly before the Germans had an uncomfortable moment as Simone Laudehr was forced off following a strong challenge. She was replaced by Melanie Leupolz.
Popp makes it 2-0
Germany continued to control the game after taking the lead and a cross from substitute Leupolz found Alexandra Popp who doubled the lead with her head. Germany had more chances before half-time, such as a Melanie Behringer effort from 18-yards that came back off the post, but couldn’t add to their lead before break.
The first good attack from the Zimbabweans came just after the restart. From the edge of the box, Rutendo Makore tested Germany goalkeeper Almuth Schult, who could only parry the ball straight into the danger area. Kudakwashe Basopo was on hand to stab the ball home and get a goal back for Zimbabwe. The celebrations didn’t last long though as Behringer restored Germany’s two goal cushion with a free-kick from 25 metres.
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Behringer bags a brace
With a two goal lead once again, the Germans powered on. Behringer, Däbritz, Popp and substitute Lena Gößling all had good chances to increase the lead in the following passage of play, but their efforts were all either off target or blocked by the Zimbabwean defence.
Nobuhle Maijika played Leupolz into the box in the final quarter of an hour and she was brought down by the Zimbabwe defence. Goalkeeper Lindiwe Magwede saved the initial spot kick but was left with no chance as Behringer fired home the rebound. Time was running out for the Africans but Germany still had time for more goals. Popp got her name on the scoresheet a second time after latching onto a cross from Leupolz, before Chibanda turned the ball into her own goal in the dying minutes to round off the scoring.
Australia on Saturday
Neid chose the same starting XI that beat Ghana 11-0 in the friendly on the 22nd July, with Schult between the sticks, a back four of Kerschowski, Annike Krahn, Saskia Bartusiak and Leonie Maier. Behringer, Marozsán und Däbritz made up the midfield with an attacking trio of Anja Mittag, Popp and Laudehr in front of them.
The DFB Women can qualify for the knockout rounds with a win in their second Group F match against Australia on Saturday (23:00 CEST).
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