Those were two absolute quality goals from Popp and Diani. (Yeah, I know it goes down as an OG for Frohms, but wow, what a hit that was.)
Let's hope Germany has lot of fuel in tank left cuz they did run 10% more on average than France in 1st half. Closing lanes on side sectors of the pitch has price.
Yeah, let's get credit to Kadidiatou Diani: the way she manged to sling that fast and strong shot while being surrounded by three German DFs was phenomenal. Yes, it was lucky that it hit the post and then Frohms' back, but actually it was a so powerful effort that it deserved the pinballing effect: a post wasn't enough to stop it.
Great finish by Popp--really first-rate. I don't agree with calling Diani's score an On Goal. Yea, technically the ball hit her back (or the back of her leg, whatever) and went it, but it wasn't because of anything directly that she did. She didn't touch the ball; the ball accidentally hit her. I think in a case like that the shooter should get credit for the goal.
It wasn't on target, so it couldn't get in target without help. That's the very definition of own goal. Yes, she's injured.
By the way, Malard definitely isn't a central striker: she had to lower her position to retrieve balls and basically played more in the French half of the pitch than in the German one. But the worse part is the huge number of balls she lost. At Diacre's place I'd replace her with Sarr in 2nd Half. Or, even better, I'd permanently move Diani at the center forward position (France isn't anyway playing much on the Right-Side, for that matter) and insert another winger on the right, maybe Matéo.
Basically my point: I hadn't thought of Bacha, because she's a left-winger, but I hadn't thought about the fact that Cascarino plays even better on the right.
She didn't hit the goal, it wouldn't have gone in. It's an own goal. Great game so far, Germany a notch better
Also, the run to cut inside in front of Perisset was class. Compare that to what Pelova did vs Perisset around the hour mark in the France match. A world of difference.
France gets away with a lot of shoving. I'm actually fine with that, Germany needs to try to stay clear of the opponents in reaction to this instead of continuously running in.
Also a valid position to take. Personally just think players do better empowering themselves by adapting instead complaining about the ref.
Bacha with France's first shot on target. Maybe I shouldn't like her so much. Edit: Wait, that counted as blocked shot instead? Oh well...
Diani doesn't take a quick look after picking off that bad pass by the German defender, doesn't see her open teammate, and squanders what looked a very good scoring opportunity.
I think the final is a great opportunity to have a winner. As Germany best England already during the tourney, it's Popp for me.