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 vs France
This is France’s first ever Women’s Championship semi-final tie, the only one of this year’s four semi-finalists to reach this stage for the first time.
Each of the last four first-time semi-finalists were eliminated (Spain 1997, Finland 2005, Netherlands 2009, Austria 2017).
Germany were the last team to progress in 1989.
Germany vs France
Germany have won eight of the last 10 European Championships. There have only been 12 Euros to date.
They progressed from eight of their nine semi-finals, failing only against Italy in 1993.
They are the giants of this competition.
Germany vs France
Warm-ups are underway, just over 30 minutes to go until kick off.
Fans start to arrive in Milton Keynes
The weather has turned in Milton Keynes and it’s drizzling over the fans as they arrive at the stadium ahead on kick off.
This is going to be a close match, either team can win it and the odds of it going to extra-time are quite favourable. Which sets of supporters will be cheering at the end of the night?
England captain Leah Williamson focused on finishing the job in Euro 2022 final
Captain Leah Williamson has stressed England’s focus is on completing their task after the Euro 2022 hosts secured a place in Sunday’s final at Wembley.
After goals from Beth Mead, Lucy Bronze, Alessia Russo and Fran Kirby saw them power to a 4-0 semi-final victory over Sweden at Bramall Lane, the Lionesses are in their first major tournament final since Euro 2009.
Either Germany or France will be the opponents as they look to get their hands on major silverware for the first time in their history.
When asked about the development English women’s football has had and working towards a moment like Sunday, Williamson said: “We started a journey, and people have changed the game.”
England captain Leah Williamson focused on finishing the job in Euro 2022 final
The Lionesses will face either Germany or France at Wembley on Sunday
Alessia Russo ‘loving playing football’ amid dream Euro 2022 run
Alessia Russo has spoken of how much she is enjoying herself on the pitch after her brilliant back-heel in England’s 4-0 Euro 2022 semi-final triumph over Sweden.
Substitute Russo notched the third goal at Bramall Lane in the 68th minute when she back-heeled the ball through Hedvig Lindahl’s legs after the goalkeeper had parried her initial shot.
It was a fourth goal for the Manchester United striker in the Lionesses’ home Euros campaign, which will now conclude with Sunday’s final at Wembley against either Germany or France.
Russo, who is at her first major international tournament and has come off the bench to replace Ellen White in each of England’s five matches, said when asked about her confidence levels: “I’m loving it, so that helps with confidence.”
Alessia Russo ‘loving playing football’ amid dream Euro 2022 run
The striker has scored four goals at the tournament so far, including a brilliant back-heel in the 4-0 semi-final win over Sweden on Tuesday night
Beth Mead, Millie Bright and Alessia Russo: Evaluating England’s strengths at Euro 2022
England are preparing for their first European Championship final since 2009 thanks to a stunning 4-0 win over Sweden at Bramall Lane.
The Lionesses, who have never won the competition, will face either France or Germany in Sunday’s Wembley decider following goals from Beth Mead, Lucy Bronze, Alessia Russo and Fran Kirby.
Here we pick out three players who have been instrumental to the hosts’ Euro 2022 campaign.
Evaluating England’s strengths at Euro 2022
The Lionesses will face either France or Germany in Sunday’s Wembley final
Popp relishing Euro 2022 appearances
Germany captain Alexandra Popp has won a lot with her country. She’s got an Olympic gold, a Fifa Under-20s World Cup, multiple Uefa Women’s Champions League and Frauen-Bundesliga titles as well as individual honours including 118 international caps.
But, she’s never won the Women’s European Championship.
Popp was sidelined with serious injuries for both the 2013 and 2017 editions of the competition, with a torn ankle ligament and a meniscus issue respectively, then in early 2021, she suffered a potentially career-ending injury when a piece of cartilage broke off inside her knee.
Had the tournament not been postponed until 2022, she would have missed the finals for a third consecutive time and after playing Germany’s opening fixture at Brentford Popp said:
“It was a really special moment because I had the feeling that many people had already written me off,
“I was able to show with my fighting spirit and mentality that I’m still a force to be reckoned with. I’m not just here to make up the numbers.”
Germany vs France: Team changes
Germany boss, Martina Voss-Tecklenburg, makes one enforced change as Klara Buhl drops out after testing positive for Covid-19 and Jule Brand comes in to replace her.
France are unchanged from the side that defeated Netherlands in the quarter-finals.
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