Semi-final preview: Germany v Sweden
Thursday, July 23, 2015
Article summary
Get the lowdown on Friday's last-four fixture, being broadcast live on Eurosport: form guide, semi-final pedigree and the players that could make the difference.
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Old rivals at this level, Germany and Sweden meet in the last four for the first time. They have already clashed twice this season, though, exchanging 2-1 friendly wins, and barring injury or illness everything seems to point to another tight match in Netanya. A well-drilled Sweden side have conceded only once in Israel and have designs on a third final appearance. Germany, meanwhile, have battled through to their ninth last-four fixture, a step closer to ending their four-year wait for silverware. The match is broadcast live on Eurosport.
Story so far – Germany
Germany's credentials were given a thorough examination in a tough group. An 87th-minute header from Rebecca Knaak earned a 2-1 victory over England on the opening day, but a 2-0 defeat by Norway left them with nowhere to hide – only a win against Spain would be enough. Rocío Gálvez's unusual own goal duly delivered it, with help from a fantastic save from Lena Pauels, making her first appearance in Israel, to keep out Laura Ortega's late header. If that had gone in Maren Meinert's side would be out.
Story so far – Sweden
Sweden eased to 3-0 victory over hosts Israel in their opener, Stina Blackstenius scoring twice to to move within one goal of Elena Danilova's single season record of 17. Their meeting with Denmark was altogether tighter, a game with only two shots on target, both for Sweden. Crucially, one went in as Filippa Angeldal converted from the spot after a foul on Blackstenius. It took Calle Barrling's side through and they rotated in their final group outing – every player in the squad has featured at some point – which France edged 1-0.
Previous meetings: Germany won 4, Sweden won 2, drawn 2
Key players
• Germany: Rebecca Knaak (defender, Bayer Leverkusen), Lea Schüller (midfielder, Essen), Nina Ehegötz (forward, Köln)
• Sweden: Julia Ekholm (defender, Bollstanäs), Anna Oskarsson (midfielder, Jitex), Stina Blackstenius (forward, Linköpings)
Other semi-final: FRANCE v SPAIN, 20.30CET
Tickets cost 10ILS (€2.50) and are available at the stadiums or via this link. The site is in Hebrew.
