Germany register narrow win against Canada

Germany recorded their second UEFA Women's EURO 2013 warm-up victory in four days, defeating Canada 1-0 thanks to a second-half goal from Leonie Maier.

Maier's 53rd-minute effort ensured the holders followed up their 3-0 triumph on Saturday against Scotland with another win in Paderborn. Silvia Neid will name her finals squad tomorrow. Germany conclude their pre-tournament schedule against world champions Japan at the Fußball Arena München on 29 June.

In the days that followed the Scotland match, Kim Kulig and Babett Peter joined a list of finals absentees already containing Viola Odebrecht, Verena Faisst, Alexandra Popp and Linda Bresonik.

Germany nonetheless started well, with Anja Mittag having the first significant chance after four minutes, only to be dispossessed at the pivotal moment. Canada offered little in attack while Germany continued to impress, going close through a header from Célia Okoyino da Mbabi.

Four minutes before the break, Okoyino da Mbabi went closer still, shooting narrowly wide of the upright. Sixty seconds later, Lena Lotzen spurned an opportunity from an unmarked position on the edge of the penalty area.

Play continued in the same direction after the break – towards the Canada goal – and the breakthrough Neid's side had been threatening arrived when Dzsenifer Marozsán set up Maier, who hammered a shot low into the net.

Germany will face the Netherlands, Iceland and Norway in Group B at UEFA Women's EURO 2013.