Germany vs France LIVE: Euro 2022 result and final score as Alexandra Popp double sets up England final
Germany 2-1 France: Popp scored two crucial goals as the eight-time European champions advanced to Wembley and booked a meeting with the Lionesses
Germany will play England in the Euro 2022 final after they defeated France thanks to a double from captain Alexandra Popp in Milton Keynes.
The eight-time European champions Germany took a deserved lead near the end of a fast-paced opening half, as Popp arrived into the box to score for the fifth match in a row at the tournament.
But it was quickly cancelled out before the break by the French, playing in their first major tournament semi-final, when Kadidiatou Diani’s fierce hit rebounded off the post and cannoned off the unfortunate goalkeeper Merle Frohms.
France would have the better chances in the second half - but Germany had the more clinical striker. Popp once again times her run to perfection and it was the Germany captain’s towering header that restored their lead on 76 minutes.
The goal, which also moved Popp level with England’s Beth Mead in the golden boot standings, proved to be decisive and Germany will face the Lionesses in the Wembley final on Sunday.
Follow all the reaction and relive the match as Germany edged France in a thrilling Euro 2022 semi-final:
Germany 2-1 France
85 mins: Grace Geyoro skies a chance high and wide from around 10 yards but seems to have been offside anyway.
Selma Bacha then brings a cross from the right under control before hooking her shot over the crossbar as well.
France are putting loads of pressure on the German back line. Can they score again?
Germany 2-1 France
82 mins: There’s another change for Germany as Marina Hegering is swapped out for Sara Doorsoun.
Time is ticking away from France. They’ve played a very good match and have cuased real problems for Germany but now is the time to step up another gear.
Eight minutes to play and they need a goal.
Germany 2-1 France
79 mins: The German supporters start to celebrate but their jubilations are cut short by a VAR check. The referees are looking for a potential offside in the build-up but there isn’t one.
Germany’s lead remains in tact. Just over 10 minutes of the 90 to play.
GOAL! Germany 2-1 France (76’, Popp)⚽️
76 mins: It’s Popp again! France’s free kick comes to nothing and Germany sweep quickly up the pitch before hooking the ball out to the right wing.
The initial attack is cleared back out to Svenja Huth on the wing and she recycles the ball with a curling cross into the middle.
Alexandra Popp rises above everyone else and clinically nods it home!
Germany 1-1 France
75 mins: Selma Bacha is top quality, how she doesn’t start for France is a mystery. A diagonal ball comes over to Bacha who takes down the ball and shifts inside of Giulia Gwinn.
Gwinn does her best to win the ball but Bacha is too skilful and too strong. She wins a free kick for France.
Germany 1-1 France
72 mins: Inside the final 20 minutes and it’s Germany’s turn to make a couple of changes. Linda Dallmann and Sydney Lohmann come on to replace Sara Dabritz and Lina Magull in midfield.
Germany 1-1 France
69 mins: Germany are caught in possession deep in their own half and Bacha comes away with the ball. She slides it into the box to Diani who drives it around Hegering before drilling a low effort at the near post.
Frohms has it covered and turns it wide for a corner that then comes to nothing.
Germany 1-1 France
66 mins: Great save! France’s resultant corner is swung into the box by Bacha who expertly picks out Wendie Renard at the back post. Renard nods the ball into the deck but Frohms drops low and keeps it out with her legs.
Germany need to absorb this pressure.
Germany 1-1 France
63 mins: What a stop!
Svenja Huth hangs on to the ball too long and loses it just outside the French box. Les Bleus fly forward on the counter-attack and slide Diani into the right side of the box.
She pulls the ball back to Bacha who takes a touch then smashes a shot at goal only for Hendrich to head it clear off the line.
Germany 1-1 France
60 mins: Delphine Cascarino is hooked off for France and is replaced with Clara Mateo. It’s a big call from Corinne Diacre as Cascarino has been one of France’s better players throughout this tournament.
Can Mateo provide the difference France need to take the lead?
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