Germany vs France: Women’s Euro preview, team news & predicted lineups
In the last quarter-final of the Women’s Euros, Germany play against France in the repeat of a 2022 semi-final tie. The two teams will also lock horns in a two-legged playoff with the UEFA Nations League semi-final tie around the corner.
France not only finished the “Group of Death” top of the pile, but they’ve also won all three matches. However, only Spain managed to qualify for the semi-finals from the other three group winners, who all registered maximum points as well.
After an electric start in the final group fixture against Sweden, Germany’s defensive fragility was on full display as they conceded four goals. Furthermore, Christian Wück will not have the two left-sided fullbacks after Giulia Gwinn’s tournament-ending injury and Carlotta Wamser’s red card against Sweden.
The vastly experienced center-back Kathrin Hendrich could probably get her first start after a strong second-half performance last week. However, it will be a challenging to defend Sandy Baltimore while playing out of her preferred position.
Despite the lack of fluid football/system, Germany’s wingers – Klara Bühl and Jule Brand – have been impressive in the group stage. Similarly, France’s attacking strength also came from flanks, with Delphine Cascarino enjoying a remarkable tournament so far.
In the pre-match press conference, Wück conceded that France will be the favorites to advance, but he boils it down to the respective results of the teams in the group stage. Meanwhile, France’s Laurent Bonadei made it clear that he’s not thinking about a potential penalty shootout.
Tournament Recap
Regarding penalties, the quarter-final has been all about miserable penalty-kick attempts. To start off, Ada Hegerberg missed her second spot-kick of the tournament in Norway’s shocking defeat to Italy. The underdogs won the game thanks to Cristiana Girelli’s brace, the winner scored in the 90th minute.
Italy will face England in the first semis on Tuesday after a nerve-wracking shootout victory for the defending champions against Sweden, which saw only 5 converted penalties from 14 attempts. The inaugural champions squandered a two-goal lead and two match-winning penalties.
On Friday, Spain joined them in the last four despite two penalty-kick misses. The hosts Switzerland put on a great fight before the World Cup champions scored the all-important opening goal after the hour mark. They will be the favorites going into Wednesday’s semi-final, irrespective of the identity of their opponent.
Germany v France: Predicted lineups
Germany: Berger; Linder, Knaak, Minge ©, Hendrich; Nüsken, Senß; Bühl, Dallmann, Brand; Schüller
France: Peyraud-Magnin; Bacha, Sombath, Samoura, De Almeida; Karchaoui, Toletti ©, Jean-Francois; Baltimore, Katoto, Cascarino
