Women’s Euro 2022: France Face Flawless Germany for Final Spot

Germany vs France

Stadium MK will play host to the much-anticipated second Women’s Euro 2022 semi-final between Germany and France.

The Germans have been close to flawless thus far in this tournament with four wins out of four, 11 goals scored and none conceded. Although, they were given a bit of scare by neigbours Austria in the quarter-finals, which goes to show that they are not completely infallible.

Meanwhile, the French needed extra time to get past defending champions, the Netherlands. Les Bleues have not been quite at their best in front of goal, with star striker Marie-Antoinette Katoto finding the net just once in the tournament.

Nevertheless, the Women’s Euro 2022 betting odds for this match are quite tight, with both countries more than capable of claiming the victory they need to make the final.

Talking Points

Germany close to perfect thus far

Germany are right up there with hosts England as the most impressive team thus far in the Women’s Euro 2022. They stormed through the group stage as they got a perfect three wins out of three, with 11 goals scored and none conceded.

However, Die Nationalelf came a bit unstuck against Austria in the quarter-finals. While they took an early lead, they did not look entirely convincing and needed a late goal from Alexandra Popp to secure the 2-0 victory.

Nonetheless, there is still a lot to like about Germany, who have been so impressive on both sides of the ball in this tournament. Popp is having a brilliant tournament and has scored in each of the team’s first four games. And on the other end of the pitch, goalkeeper Merle Frohms has been immense and has yet to let a single goal in thus far.

This semi-final against France figures to be a more competitive match for Germany and are unlikely to see quite as much of the ball. But in Popp, they have an in-form goalscorer who is capable of popping up with a decisive goal.

Germany should also have the fresher legs compared to the French, which could be a crucial factor in this semi-final. Not only did the Germans play their quarter-final two days ahead of the French, but Les Bleues also needed extra time to beat the Netherlands.

Les Bleues lacking attacking bite

After three consecutive Euro quarter-final exits, France finally broke through to the semi-finals at the Women’s Euro 2022 as they edged out defending champions the Netherlands, 1-0.

Les Bleues dominated the match as they had a massive 33-9 shot advantage (13-1 shots on target). But they couldn’t find the breakthrough within 90 minutes and needed an extra-time penalty from Eve Perisset to move on.

Since France’s 5-1 thrashing of Italy in their tournament opener, their Women’s Euro 2022 results have become progressively less impressive, which is a bit concerning.

Despite having the prolific Marie-Antoinette Katoto – one of our top players to watch out for – leading the attack, the French have not been clinical in front of goal. Katoto has not scored since France’s 5-1 win over Italy. And Grace Geyoro, who scored a hat-trick in that match, has not scored since.

Les Bleues are unlikely to have enjoy quite as many chances on goal against a German side that can go toe-to-toe with their talented attack.

But the French showed in the Netherlands match that they possess the mental toughness that has been lacking in previous tournaments.

History

This is Germany’s record 10th appearance in a Women’s Euro semi-final, the most of any side in the competition’s history. By comparison, this is France’s first trip to the semi-finals.

Germany have the edge over France, with five wins and four draws in their last 12 matches. They also unbeaten in their four major tournament matches against Les Bleues.

Although, France have won two of the last three meetings, including their most recent match, a friendly in June last year. Kenza Dali scored the winner in a 1-0 France victory.

However, the Germans are unbeaten over 90 minutes in their previous nine semi-final trips. They have won eight and drawn one, which came in 1993 against Italy; they eventually lost on penalties.

Betting Tip

Despite the Germans’ dominance during this tournament, SBOTOP odds only have them as slight 2.34 favourites over France, who are priced at 2.77 to win. Meanwhile a draw is at 3.00.

Whiles Les Bleues are not to be underestimated, they have not looked nearly as impressive as Germany in this tournament. Die Nationalelf likely won’t dominate this match quite as much as they have in their first four games, but with their more effective finishing coupled with a rock-solid defence, they should have the tools to get the victory.

 

●●●

CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS

Stay updated with everything sports and betting.

Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.