Germany beat Austria for spot in Women’s Euro semis

London, July 22: Alexandra Popp had to wait nine years to play her first European Championship. Now she is making it count. Popp’s fourth goal in as many games sealed Germany’s 2-0 win over Austria on Thursday to set up a semi-final match with either France or the Netherlands. Popp was injured for the last two editions of the competition in 2013 – when Germany won – and 2017. She tested positive for the coronavirus last month ahead of the tournament but recovered in time. As captain against Austria, the Wolfsburg forward was key to creating Germany’s chances and, when the time came, clinical in front of goal. Germany showed lightning-quick reactions and smart thinking for the opening goal in the 25th minute, with Klara Bühl turning over possession on the left flank and cutting back a cross that Popp wisely left alone to allow teammate Lina Magull to score from a better position. Dangerous throughout the game, Popp sealed it for Germany in the 90th when she exploited goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger’s rare lapse of concentration to charge down her attempted pass and send it into the net. (AP)