Three games, three wins. The Germany U20 Women’s National Team qualified for the next round of the World Cup in Papua New Guinea. In the final Group D game, they overcame South Korea 2-0 with two first half goals from Dina Orschmann in the 13th minute and Stefanie Sanders in the 25th.
In the two previous games, Germany beat Venezuela 3-1 and Mexico 3-0.
Germany dominant from the start
The game was played in the Sir John Guise Stadium in Papua New Guinea’s capital city Port Moresby, and the Germany side were in charge from the first minute. Rebecca Knaak’s side controlled the ball and produced some excellent combination play to get themselves into the lead.
The first chance came in the fifth minute, as South Korea goalkeeper Kim Minjung made a save from a free kick, but Germany did not have long to wait to break the deadlock. Dina Orschmann struck the ball from the right wing into the far corner, in a style reminiscent of Arjen Robben, leaving the goalkeeper stranded. A fantastic goal, and one that Germany deserved in the context of the game.
Gier taken off with injury
Pia-Sophie Wolter came close in the 24th minute, but Sanders was on hand to double Germany’s lead a minute later. Moments on, Sanders had an effort strike the woodwork, as Germany looked to further assert their dominance.The final phase of the first half was rather quieter, as South Korea handled themselves a little more comfortably around the German offensive unit. There was bad news, though, as Madeline Gier was forced off with an injury after a heavy tackle, to be replaced by Jasmin Sehan.
Germany stayed on top of things through the second half, with near misses from Saskia Matheis, Knaak, Anna Gerhardt and Sanders within the first 20 minutes of the game restarting. Joelle Wedemeyer and Katja Orschmann were introduced in the game’s closing period to help Germany see out a routine victory.