Rennes, France- Germany celebrated their opening match of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup against China PR, with a victory. China, ranked No. 16, had a performance that brought about some challenges for Germany, who still managed the 1-0 win.
Germany controlled the match, with 62 percent of possession, and almost had a goal within minutes as midfielder Sara Daebritz took a shot on goal that went just wide of the side post.
China also had a chance minutes, when they stumbled up with the German defense, forward Yang Li shot the ball with her right foot and defender Sara Doorsoun’s touch on the ball caused it to brush the outside of the net.
Several more opportunities came for Germany in the first half on header attempts from Marina Hegering and Carolin Simon that were saved by the Steel Roses goalkeeper, Peng Shimeng.
Half-time was needed for Germany as China began to make their plays closer to the net, but with the help of goalkeeper Almuth Schult, the National Eleven made it to the half without being scored on.
Germany’s lone goal came from their youngest player, 19-year-old defender Giulia Gwinn. On a corner kick, Gwinn gained possession of the ball from an attempted header and sent the ball to the back of the net from the top of the box.
Gwinn’s goal slowed the pace of the game for Germany and it allowed them to create space and room for passing to counteract China’s runs. This was Gwinn’s second goal against China as she scored in last year’s U-20 Women’s World Cup. The 19 year old was also awarded Player of the Match.
Some last-minute plays were created on goal, but overall, China had the majority of their opportunities in the first half.
“There was a lot of pressure on our defense, and in our attack we created opportunities,” said China’s head coach Jia Xiuquan. “All of this is what we worked on in training and today this was reflected on the pitch, but of course we need to do much more. Compared to Germany we are not at the same level, but it does not mean we cannot fight.”
SCORING SUMMARY:
GER-Giulia Gwinn, 66’
BOOKING SUMMARY:
CHN-Shanshan Wang, 12’ yellow card
CHN-Li Yang, 44’ yellow card
CHN-Shanshan Liu, 50’ yellow card
CHN-Shuang Wang, 71’ yellow card
GER-Lena Oberdorf, 82’ yellow card
GERMANY: #1-Almuth Schult, #2-Carolin Simon (#6-Lena Oberdorf, 45’), #3-Kathrin Hendrich, #5-Marina Hegering, #9-Svenja Huth (#7-Lea Schueller, 85’), #10-Dzenifer Marozsan, #11-Alexandra Popp, #13-Sara Daebritz, #15-Giulia Gwinn, #18-Melanie Leupolz (#20-Lina Magull, 63’), #23-Sara Doorsoun
Subs not used: #4-Leonie Maier, #8-Lena Goesling, #12-Laura Benkarth, #14-Johanna Elsig, #16-Linda Dallmann, #17-Verena Schweers, #19-Klara Buehl, #21-Merie Frohms, #22-Turid Knaak
CHINA PR: #12-Peng Shimeng, #2-Liu Shanshan, #3-Lin Yuping, #4-Lou Jiahui (#19-Tan Ruyin, 33’) , #5-Wu Haiyan, #6-Han Peng, #9-Yang Li (#15-Song Duan, 69’), #11-Wang Shanshan, #17-Gu Yasha, #20-Zhang Rui, #21-Yao Wei (#7-Wang Shuang,, 45’)
Subs not used: #1-Xu Huan, #8-Li Jiayue, #10-Li Ying, #13-Wang Yan, #14-Wang Ying, #16-Li Wen, #18-Bi Xiaolin, #22-Luo Guiping, #23-Liu Yanqiu
TOTAL SHOTS: GER 18-4 CHN
SHOTS ON GOAL: GER 5-1 CHN
CORNERS: GER 8-3 CHN
Women's World Cup
International Competitions
