With Stands painted red and white with thousands of supporters from across the globe, the second match of matchday 1 Germany vs China PR kicked off with a bang!Germany, as expected given their experience and talents, dominated from the start and an early cross in the second minute but Poop seemed glorious! Another beautiful shot came near the third minute when Dräbitz tried a long shot from outside the box, but shooting wide.The early minutes saw some brisk, precise attacks by the German side, but Wang Shan Shan rose as China’s hero at all times. Some amazing sliding tackles and interceptions ! But a little rough play ended her with the game’s first Yellow card in the 10th minute.
A GREAT MISS by China came in the 13th minute as Wang Shan Shan and Gu Y Sh made a beautiful run to the opposite box with amazingly accurate crosses. In the box Gu Y quite selflessly passed to her better placed teammate Yang li. Despite a few metres from the net, Yang li missed and shot wide on the side net! Germany were in their feet again after a stupendous run by China as a header by centre- forward Popp With 46 goals for her national side flew just above the net! A few threats came along the way, but China was quite commendable in being composed and passing the ball than pushing it away at every crunch point!
The 32nd minute saw a nasty change of boot on foot on Lou of China who had to substituted right away by Tan. 4 minutes were added in the first half, owing to the many stops in play due to injuries. Another great chance came 1 and a half minutes into the added time as Yang Like misfired again after a wonderful run by Wang Dhang!Germany dominated possession. China lacked cohesiveness throughout, especially in the first 20 minutess- still settling in. China was quick to lose the ball, but honestly, just as quick to win it back! Their passing wasn’t accurate enough to maintain possession.
The second half kicked off with su substitutions on both sides- China taliswoman Wang Shuang (the only Chinese player playing outside China currently!) and Germany’s 17 year old wonder Oberderf walked into the field for their respective sides.Germany looked revamped, and so did China. Both sides were much more coordinated. A save by Peng Sh came in the 56th minute in response to Hendrich’s shot.China was able to get on all of Germany’s nerves and they were visibly agitated, for instance Popp’s uncalled for push at Yang Li!Magull, Bayern München’s Star Player, walked on in the 62nd minute.
The star moment came in the 66th minute as teenager Gwinn shot from outside the box converting it the one,the only, the winning goal for Die Mannschaft!!! Germany won a corner, China cleared but ineffectively as Gwinn caught it and shot right through the legs of Yang Li and whizzed past the goalie before she could realise where to jump! Quite commendable were the Chinese fans echoing their support throughout the match for the women in action!
The stadium in Renn was resonating with their cheers! The only Yellow card for the German side went to Oberdorf for a dirty pull-down challenge on Wang Shuang.China struggled throughout the remaining match as Germany were quick on their feet to retain their lead. 3 minutes added time could do no good for the Chinese side as they won a last ditch-stand corner in the dying 30 seconds but failing to convert this chance.The result wasn’t surprising, but the run up to this result was!
China displayed ecstatic control and maintained pressure on the stronger side throughout! They were successful in blocking numerous attempts and in making some beautiful ones themselves! It will not be wrong to say that learning from this match, China will return as a stronger, more coordinated team in the next and will be a major threat in the group!While for Germany, it was a narrow but good escape. They must maintain their attacking spree and win on!
Final result:
Germany 1-0 China
Gwinn 66′
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All the views above are author’s own. They are not meant to offend anyone. This is not an official coverage of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019. The author owns no rights in this tournament.
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