Eight-time European champions Germany ended their Euro 2022 Group B campaign in style with a dominant win over Finland at Stadium MK in Milton Keynes.
Germany, who had already won the group courtesy of a win against Spain last time out, produced another impressive performance worthy of any early ‘tournament favourites’.
Despite a resilient start from Finland, on 40 minutes Sophia Klienherne headed home from close range into a near empty net. The goal relaxed the 20,721 fans in Stadium MK, of which the vast majority were German, as well as the players on the pitch.
Just after half time German captain Alexandra Popp, who scored in her third successive UEFA Women’s EURO match, doubled her nation’s lead with a headed effort early in the second period before substitute Nicole Anyomi made it three with a right-footed strike late on.
The attendance of 20,721 was the biggest yet at Stadium MK during the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 tournament, bettering the 16,819 who witnessed the opening game between Spain and Finland. A crowd of over 11,800 watched on as Denmark beat the Fins earlier this week, an incredible group of attendances contributing to a world record attended tournament.
Germany have been dominant in Group B and will look to win their ninth Women’s EURO title. The strong performances may have come at somewhat of a surprise, as noted by Germany manager Martina Voss-Tecklenburg, "It wasn't a brilliant performance. We have nine points; nine goals and you wouldn't have been able to believe that. If someone had a bet on that they would have made a lot of money.
Germany and Spain progress out of Group B with the former, Germany, going through as champions. They could return to Stadium MK in the Semi-final on Wednesday 27th July should they beat Group A runners-up, Austria, on Thursday’s Quarter-final.
Finland and Denmark on the other hand leave the tournament after failing to qualify for the next round. Finland played all three of their group games at Stadium MK, unfortunately failing to win a single game despite a very early goal in the first game against Spain.
Stadium MK will play host to one more fixture at the UEFA Women’s EURO - the second of the two Semi-finals on Wednesday 27 July, kick-off 8pm. The nations involved will be confirmed next week following the completion of the quarter finals.
Tickets have SOLD OUT for the Semi-final but supporters without a ticket can watch along on the BBC.
