The Finnish team briefly had to fear that their only record at the European Championships in England would still fall. Striker Linda Sällström scored the tournament’s earliest goal after 50 seconds in the Northern Europeans’ 4-1 draw against Spain.
On Saturday evening in Milton Keynes in front of 20,721 spectators, Alexandra Popp dangerously approached the opponent for the first time a few moments after the kick-off. Even if Sällström’s mark could not be undercut, this action was a sign that the German team, which had long been the group winners, is also taking the last group game seriously. With the recommendation of a 3:0 (1:0) it is now in the quarterfinals against Austria.
In view of this starting position, the opportunity for a rotation presented itself for national coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg. Compared to the 2-0 win against Spain, she changed her team to four positions, especially on the defensive, there were changes. Lena Lattwein plays for the yellow-banned Lena Oberdorf and Felicitas Rauch on the six and Sophia Kleinherne from Frankfurt as a left-back.
In addition, Sara Doorsoun replaces Kathrin Hendrich in central defence. As expected, Linda Dallmann replaced her ailing Bayern colleague Lina Magull, who was on the bench, in attacking midfield.
Shortly before the first half, Kleinherne made sure that the knot burst on the offensive. After a fine cross from Giulia Gwinn, she headed the first German goal in this tournament by a defensive player. It was also her first international goal ever. Previously, the superiority of the German team had been overwhelming, but the precision was lacking in the end.
In the second half, the national coach continued her plan to give all field players minutes of action at the European Championship. Nicole Anyomi came on for Giulia Gwinn. Kathrin Hendrich also replaced Marina Hegering. Hendrich was then immediately in focus as she served a cross to Popp, who made it 2-0 with the second header of the evening (47th).
From then on, Voss-Tecklenburg only looked concerned if one of her players had to be treated. There were no more doubts about the third win in the third group game. There was also little risk of goalkeeper Merle Frohms conceding the first goal of the tournament.
