Updated on November 30, 2021, 9:20 pm
- The German soccer players have taken a giant step towards the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
- The team of national coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg prevailed 3-1 in the World Cup qualification against Portugal and is now five points ahead of the toughest pursuer.
The German soccer players have come a giant step closer to the World Cup ticket. the DFB selection won the top game in Portugal at the end of the year with 3: 1 (3: 1). The immaculate leaders in qualifying group H increased their lead over their direct rivals to five points.
Lea Schüller (15th), Svenja Huth (23rd) and Melanie Leupolz (28th) scored the German goals in Faro in their sixth win in their sixth game en route to the 2023 finals in Australia and New Zealand. National goalkeeper Merle Frohms, however, made an own goal after a missed penalty by Carole Costa (34th).
The coming months are all about the European Championship in England (6th to 31st July 2022). This year the record European champions finished with nine wins, one draw (against Chile) and two defeats (in France and the Netherlands).
The European Championship year begins for the DFB team with a position assessment at a mini-tournament in England in February. In addition to the EURO hosts, Olympic champions Canada and EM group opponents Spain will take part.
The German team dominated from the start
Four days after the 8-0 win against Turkey, the national coach had Martina Voss-Tecklenburg their formation in four positions adapted to the far stronger opponent. In defense, Marina Hegering and Giulia Gwinn made their starting line-up comeback after injuries, while Kathrin Hendrich moved into the back four on the right.
For the 75th international match, Leupolz was allowed to play in midfield right from the start and immediately set the tone. As so often, Bayern striker Schüller made it 1-0 with a head after a corner from Klara Bühl.
The German team now dominated in front of 500 spectators in the Estadio de Sao Luis. After Leupolz presented, Huth first increased with a 20-meter shot, then Chelsea professional Leupolz scored himself from a distance. The goal then fell out of nowhere.
Since Frohms came too late against Ana Borges and knocked the attacker off her feet in the penalty area, referee Rebecca Welch (England) consequently gave a penalty. Costa kicked it to the left post, but the ball hit the back of the Eintracht goalkeeper from the aluminum and from there into the goal.
That gave the Portuguese new courage, even after the break they increased the pressure and waited for their chance. The DFB selection seemed at times too hectic and sloppy in exploiting opportunities. (afp / dpa / fra)
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