(Football news) Germany Women defeated Austria 2-0 at the Brentford Community Stadium to progress into the semi finals, capitalising on their opponents mistakes to secure the win. Having already beaten Denmark, Spain and Finland, Germany were in for a surprise as Austria began the match on the front foot with Marina Georgieva’s header hitting the back off the post early in the match. Austria’s lack of ruthlessness proved to be their undoing as Germany went on to score the opening goal, their high press causing a defensive mix up which gave Magull the opportunity to score from 12 yards in the 25th minute.

Both sides hit the post twice before half-time and Austria came close to getting the equaliser when Germany failed to clear a corner but Sarah Puntigam was denied the opportunity. Germany’s Klara Buhl’s long range effort struck the bar and she also missed an open goal as Germany looked to consolidate their lead with a second goal. It was in the final minute of normal time when Zinsberger’s goal kick struck Alexandra Popp’s back and went into the back of the net, much to the embarrassment of the Austrian keeper. The result means that Germany will now face either France or the Netherlands in the semi final next Wednesday. 

Speaking after the match, Germany manager Martina Voss-Tecklenburg said “We're very happy to win, we were deserved winners and it was as intense as we expected. Austria played well from set-pieces and in the moment where we didn't do things well, they hurt us. Thankfully, they didn't score, which helped us. We wanted to come over the flanks and the opening goal was fantastically played, at half-time we changed a few things in terms of positioning. We weren't courageous enough in terms of getting into the right positions before half-time and spoke about it at the break, and then we were a lot calmer after half-time. It took a long time to score the second which was a pity, but it was a great game for the fans – compliments to Austria, they did what we expected, which was to play good football, with a clear plan and a good mentality."

Also read: Euro 2022: England Women reach the semi finals after win over Spain