Focus pays off as Germany strike late

Germany coach Anouschka Bernhard hailed the impact of her substitutions as Pauline Bremer came off the bench to inspire a late 2-0 semi-final victory against Denmark, who were left to rue what might have been.

Anouschka Bernhard, Germany coach
It was the type of match that we expected. We knew that playing against Denmark in this semi-final would be a very tough and very close game – small things can make the difference. And we also knew that we wouldn't get a lot of chances and we would have to be very focused when we got one.

Our substitutions worked. Bringing on the likes of Pauline Bremer and Venus El-Kassem helped because Sara Däbritz wasn't at ease with where she was playing in the first half and so we changed it a little; it was better for her in the second half and better for the whole team. We were the slightly better team, but there's only a small difference between the teams.

Sara Däbritz, Germany forward
It was a big dream to reach the final and we have done it. We didn't play so well in the first half. We didn't play at our usual pace, couldn't create chances and our final ball was lacking. In the second half, there was a faster tempo and we created more chances. The substitutes brought freshness into the game, they were lively and it was important they came on. They gave us a lot – Pauline with the goal was really important. We are delighted to be in the final and we now hope we can become European champions.

Anders With Damgaard, Denmark coach
Both teams knew each other very well and so we were prepared for what they would try to do to us, and likewise for them. I think Germany edged the first half, but on our second-half showing I think we could deserve more than this defeat. We played well in the second half. Germany scored from their first real chance, nine minutes before time, so that was very disappointing for us.

Maja Kildermoes, Denmark defender
I think we played very well but we just couldn't get the goals we needed to win.