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| The DFB-Frauen showed their maturity to edge out France Foto: Yuliia Perekopaiko/DFB |
Germany’s women’s national team are through to the UEFA Women’s Nations League final for the very first time. After winning the first leg 1-0, a 2-2 draw in Caen was enough for Christian Wück’s side to book their place in the final. Nicole Anyomi cancelled out Melvine Malard’s early opener (3’) with a brilliant solo effort (12’), before Klara Bühl put Germany in front early in the second half (50’). A late equaliser from Clara Mateo (89’) failed to change the outcome, meaning Germany will now face reigning champions Spain in the final – at home on 28th November, before the return leg on 2nd December.
Wück made just one change to the starting line-up from the first meeting: Janina Minge replaced Kathrin Hendrich in central defence alongside Camilla Küver, with Giulia Gwinn and Franziska Kett out wide in front of keeper Stina Johannes. Elisa Senß and Sjoeke Nüsken anchored the midfield, Jule Brand played centrally behind striker Anyomi, with Bühl and Carlotta Wamser on the wings.
Fast start in Caen
France struck with their first real attack – a pinpoint cross from Selma Bacha was headed into the far corner by Malard from close range. The hosts continued to push, with Germany struggling to gain a foothold in the early stages. Bühl missed the moment to shoot when clean through (11’), but seconds later, Anyomi levelled it up with a superb turn and strike from the edge of the box that flew into the top corner.
The tempo remained high on both sides, though attacking moves often lacked precision. France continued to edge proceedings and had the next big chance when Malard burst through one-on-one, only for Johannes to make a strong save (32’). Malard then went close again with a curling effort from distance (35’).
Germany carved out several transition opportunities, but poor decision-making or heavy touches meant they couldn’t capitalise. Both sides had goals disallowed before the break – Cascarino for offside (38’) and Anyomi for the same shortly after (40’). Johannes remained sharp, keeping out efforts from Cascarino (43’) and Sakina Karchaoui (45+2).
Bühl strikes again
The second half began with France again applying pressure – but it was Germany who landed the next blow. After a switch of play involving Gwinn and Nüsken, Bühl received the ball on the left, drove into the box and rifled a shot in off the underside of the crossbar to put Germany ahead (50’). Brand nearly added a third moments later from a Wamser cross (52’).
France appeared rattled, and Germany pushed further forward. Wück made his first changes just before the hour mark, bringing on Selina Cerci and Kathrin Hendrich (58’). Bühl continued to torment the French defence and set up Anyomi for what looked like a third goal, only for the flag to go up again (67’).
Germany almost made it 3-1 in the 74th minute – Cerci latched onto a through ball and clipped it onto the crossbar at full sprint, with Nüsken’s follow-up drifting just wide. Sydney Lohmann and Lea Schüller were introduced soon after to add fresh legs (78’).
Nervy finish, but job done
Johannes came to the rescue again in the closing stages, denying Kadidiatou Diani from close range. Germany’s defence held firm under increasing pressure until Mateo finally nodded in the equaliser from close range (89’).
That set up a tense finale, with France pushing hard throughout seven minutes of stoppage time. Mateo tested Johannes again almost immediately (90+1’), before Wück used his final substitution – Laura Freigang for Brand (90+5’) – to take time off the clock. The full-time whistle finally sparked scenes of celebration for the DFB Women.
Germany now have a shot at Nations League glory – and a place at the 2024 Olympics – as they prepare to face Spain in the two-legged final.
- DFB
