Popp’s double took Germany to the European Championship final

She has both Olympic gold and a Champions League title to her credit. But Alexandra Popp had never before played an EC as injuries stopped her in both 2013 and 2017.

On the other hand, the 31-year-old’s debut EC has developed into a full-scale success.

Goals in every single game – and in the semi-final against France she continued on the beaten path and sent Germany to the European Championship final with her two goals.

Dangerous Popp free kick

It was perhaps not as high-intensity an introduction as in Tuesday’s semi-final between England and Sweden.

But the first half in Milton Keynes changed things up considerably.

Germany’s best chance came after about a quarter of an hour when the great talent Jula Brand, who replaced the covid-positive Klara Bühl, advanced forward and was awarded a free kick just outside the penalty area. Alexandra Popp hit the free kick hard and well aimed but French goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin saved the ball for a corner.

There, Popp bet, but the 31-year-old would show his scoring ability.

In the 40th minute, the Germans combined nicely on the right wing and Svenja Huth hit a cross into the area between two French defenders. Popp stormed forward and steered 1-0 firmly into the roof of the net.

However, the French response did not take long. Just before the break, Kadidiatou Diani fired a hard, low shot into the post but she had the margins with her as the ball bounced off the back of goalkeeper Merle Frohms and into the goal to make it 1-1.

The second half started somewhat tentatively but in the 62nd minute came a French double chance. Selma Bacha turned up and fired a dangerous shot that was saved, and on the ensuing corner, 187cm centre-back Wendie Renard popped up and headed the ball just over the line.

Then and there a French goal was needed, because in the 76th minute Germany tightened their grip on the European Championship final place.

Sixth EC goal

Jula Brand had just missed a double position, but the Germans immediately got hold of the ball and Svenja Huth sent in a cross towards the penalty area and then Alexandra Popp did exactly as she did in the first half.

She put the ball in the net.

The 31-year-old peaked, heading in 2-1 and his sixth goal of the tournament.

France had several chances to equalise. But this was Germany’s – and Alexandra Popp’s – night.

The victory numbers were written at 2–1 and now England await in the final at Wembley on Sunday. France’s EC is over.