Prinz on song for six-goal Germany
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Article summary
Wales 0-6 Germany Birgit Prinz's hat-tick helped Germany to a comprehensive victory at the Bridge Meadow Stadium in Haverfordwest.
Article body
Early strikes
It was the visitors' second success in qualifying and the result was never in doubt after Prinz set her side on the way with goals on eight and 20 minutes at the Bridge Meadow Stadium in Haverfordwest. Kerstin Stegemann added a third on the stroke of half-time before three strikes in the last ten minutes from Kerstin Garefrekes (81), Martina Müller (86) and Prinz again (88) completed the rout.
Prinz double
Germany penned Wales back in their own half from the kick-off and Prinz broke the deadlock after first being blocked from close range. Twelve minutes later, Prinz nodded in her second after Garefrekes, winning her 75th cap, supplied her with a cushioned header. The reigning world and European champions dominated the rest of the half yet only registered again when Stegemann fired in a cracking drive from 25 metres.
Late flurry
Three up, the Germans continued to hold sway but struggled to create chances. However, as the hosts tired towards the end Silvia Neid's team finally turned possession into goals. Garefrekes finished from short range, Martina Müller headed in a corner and Prinz secured her hat-trick following a blunder by the Wales goalkeeper. "I am delighted. The team did a lot of running but we just couldn't find the final ball or get that decisive cross in," said Neid. "But I think we can be pleased with a 6-0 win." Germany top Group 4 with six points from two games and host second-placed Switzerland in their next match on 23 August in Koblenz.