Montpellier, France- Germany dominated in the final match of their group stage with a 4-0 win against South Africa that advanced Germany to the top in Group B with nine points. While South Africa didn’t see a win and remain at the bottom with zero points, this first-time tournament was a learning experience for them as their team continues to develop.
Germany came into this match with the advantage of having six points as the Banyana Banyana had zero points with four conceded goals in their past two matches. For the Die Nationalelf, this match was in their favor.
Within the first half, Germany scored three goals, with their earliest goal came from a header by midfielder Melanie Leupolz on a corner kick. With their 1-0 lead, Germany began to slow down the pace of play as the heat began to take its toll on the players.
German defender Verena Schweers sent the ball to South Africa’s goalkeeper Andile Dlamini, who dove for the save, but with the ball still rolling on the ground. Germany seized this opportunity and Sara Daebritz scored the second goal.
Captain Alexandra Popp finished a ball with a header from a cross and scored the third goal for the Die Nationalelf before the half. South Africa struggled and their mistakes opened the door for Germany to come through on goal. As time wore on, Banyana Banyana became disorganized and it was seen through their defense.
South Africa began to get their defense together in the second half, but Germany still found their way through with an attempt from a header and again with success in the 58’ minute. Another header was made by Germany, but the post deflected the shot until Lina Magull came through with a finish to the net as Germany rose 4-0.
Germany also had other opportunities on goal as the score could’ve been 6-0, but the other two goals were offsides.
“Unfortunately we started poorly, conceded two poor goals and were always on the back foot after that. I felt we panicked a bit in that first half,” South Africa head coach Desiree Ellis said. “We told the players to calm down and play our brand of football, and they did that in the second half. I think our style of football has attracted a lot of fans and I’m very grateful for the response my players were given in the stadium.”
SCORING SUMMARY:
GER-Melanie Leupolz, 14’
GER-Sara Daebritz, 29’
GER-Alexandra Popp, 40’
GER-Lina Magull, 58’
BOOKING SUMMARY:
RSA-Lina Magull, 54’ yellow card
RSA-Nothando Vilakazi, 58’ yellow card
GER-Verena Schweers, 63’ yellow card
RSA-Rhoda Mulaudzi, 66’ yellow card
GERMANY: #1-Almuth Schult, #5-Marina Hegering, #9-Svenja Huth (#16-Linda Dallmann, 59’), #11-Alexandra Popp, #13-Sara Daebritz, #15-Giulia Gwinn, #17-Verena Schweers (#2-Carolin Simon, 46’), #18-Melanie Leupolz, #19-Klara Buhl (#7-Lea Schueller, 66’), #20-Lina Magull, #23-Sara Doorsoun
Subs not used: #3-Kathrin Hendrich, #4-Leonie Maier, #6-Lena Oberdorf, #8-Lena Goesling, #12-Laura Benkarth, #14-Johanna Elsig, #21-Merie Frohms, #22-Turid Knaak, #10-Dzenifer Marozsan
SOUTH AFRICA: #16-Andile Dlamini, #2-Lebohang Ramalepe, #3-Nohando Vilakazi, #4-Noko Matlou, #5-Janine Van Wyk, #6-Mamello Makhabane, #8-Ode Fulutudilu (#22-Rhoda Mulaudzi, 46’), #9-Amanda Mthandi (#11-Thembi Kgatlana, 46’), #15-Refiloe Jane, #19-Kholosa Biyana (#17-Leandra Smeda, 89’), #21-Busisiwe Ndimeni
Subs not used: #1-Mapaseka Mpuru, #7-Karabo Dhlamini, #10-Linda Motlhalo, #12-Jermaine Seoposenwe, #13-Bambanani Mbane, #14-Tiisetso Makhubela, #18-Bongeka Gamede, #20-Kaylin Swart, #23-Sibulele Holweni
TOTAL SHOTS: GER 23-7 RSA
SHOTS ON GOAL: GER 12-1 RSA
OFFSIDES: GER 5-2 RSA
CORNERS: GER 8-1 RSA
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