Yahoo Sports 2024 Olympics: Germany pull off resounding win over Australia
Australia and Germany got their Olympic campaigns underway on Thursday evening in a sun-drenched Marseille. The Matildas were looking to build on their impressive showing in last summer’s World Cup. As for Germany, well that was a tournament they’d rather forget.
Fortunately for the Germans, they came away with a statement 3-0 win thanks to goals from Marina Hegering, Lea Schüller and Jule Brand.
How it went
In what was a lively start to proceedings, Germany had the first effort on goal of the night. Klara Bühl found Brand just inside the 18-yard box, but her shot was tame and Mackenzie Arnold gathered with ease with four minutes played.
Germany were starting to get a stranglehold on the game. The second of two quick corners probably should have seen them break the deadlock. A head injury in the melee forced a stoppage, allowing the Matildas to regroup, who were at risk of being swept away. Australia’s resistance was finally broken in the 24th minute when Giulia Gwinn’s corner found Hegering at the back post. The Wolfsburg defender powered the ball home to open Germany’s account at this summer’s Games.
Tony Gustavsson’s side were limited to half chances. With five minutes to play, Caitlin Foord was set away down the right. With no one in the middle, she opted to try and catch Ann-Katrin Berger out at her near post, but only found the side netting.
Germany dominate in Paris
The second half continued much the same as the first, with Germany dominating the goalscoring opportunities. Australia struggled to progress up the pitch against the aggressive German press.
The first chance of the half came Germany’s way, around the 55th minute. Schuller’s shot on goal was well blocked by a defender, but warning bells were starting to ring for the Matildas.
As with the first goal of the game, the Germans doubled their lead through a Gwinn corner. This time, it was Bayern attacker Schüller who rose highest, heading effortlessly into the bottom left corner. This marks her 43rd goal for her country at the age of 26.
It only took another four minutes for Germany to add a third goal against Australia. in their favour. This time, the direct and rapid attack started with Berger in goal. The shot-stopper launched a ball upfield to Schüller, which was picked up by Alex Popp who returned to the No.7, who then slipped in Sarai Linder. The final piece of the attacking move saw the Hoffenheim player square the ball to Brand, who tapped in at the back post. A much-deserved goal for the young Wolfsburg player after having great influence all game.
After Germany had a fourth goal ruled out by VAR, Australia created a rare chance at getting something back. Clare Hunt swivelled on the ball to create space to shoot from the edge of the box. However, as had been the case all game, Berger had it well covered.
Stand out performers
Berger and Schüller were the standout performers in a fixture that Germany controlled with ease. At the back, the Gotham keeper was a safe pair of hands and a calm presence sweeping up any Australia chances. In the attacking line, Schüller was bright all evening, creating opportunities, moving with energy and intelligence, and could have finished with more than the one goal to her name.
Australia were underwhelming for the most part. A defence that looked disorganised, particularly unable to defend corners, was exploited by the ruthless Germans. In attack, the Matildas struggled to get up the field and create many meaningful chances.
