Women's EURO 2022: Germany on course for a ninth title after semi-final win over France

Germany has qualified for the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 final.

With a 2-1 win over France, they’ll now look to a thrilling final fixture against hosts England at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 31st July.

This semi-final clash in Milton Keynes was too close to call to begin with. Germany had the upper hand and proved beyond doubt their merit as EURO 2022 finalists.

Should they beat England in the final, it will be their ninth time being crownd European champions.

It was a heavyweight tie that never lacked in tempo and had everything you could possibly wish for from the semi-final of a major tournament.

In a first fourty five minutes that was utterly end-to-end, both sides asserted their dominance and desire to win this competition - but repeatedly failed to find the back of the net.

Wendie Renard’s authoritative strength and Pauline Peyraud-Magnin’s glittering saves kept Germany from taking an early lead.

But it was none other than the German captain herself, Alexandra Popp, who opened the scoring just five minutes before the break with her fifth goal of the tournament - becoming the first player to score in five consecutive games at a Women’s EURO competition.

With a physicality and speed on the counter that made them all too difficult to keep under control, it didn’t take long for France to hit back.

In fact, it was only four minutes after the Germans took the lead that Kadidiatou Diani’s shot hit the post, bounced off of Germany goalkeeper Merle Frohms and found the back of the net making it 1-1 right before the break.

As both sides made their way in for halftime, there was a real feeling that this clash could still go either way.

France should have found themselves 2-1 up around the hour mark with two big chances - the first a ball that fell to Salma Bacha and the second a saved header from captain Renard.

Much like in their quarter-final clash against the Netherlands, the French were full of creative forward runs but lacked the important final touch.

And soon enough, Germany punished them for not taking their chances.

As France failed to scramble a clearance, Svenja Huth grabbed her second assist of the night helping captain Alexandra Popp find the back of the net again. Popp has joined England’s Beth Mead as joint top scorer of the tournament so far in the process.

Throughout this tournament, the Germans have demonstrated a powerful patience that is key in their ability to grind out wins.

Alexandra Popp and co. are more than happy to allow their opponents time to play, all whilst waiting for the perfect time to pounce. It’s a silent viciousness that will prove integral if they’re to beat a confident English side.

An added time free-kick was France’s last ditch attempt to salvage anything from the game, but Selma Bacha’s shot was once again sent over the bar. Although a strong fight, France didn't have enough to overhaul this on-form Germany side.

The Germans now head into the final with a very similar record to opponents England, having only conceded the one goal throughout the competition so far.

A win against England will secure them a history ninth European Championship, but with England also on fine form, this final will be a match-up of two of Europe's most complete outfits.

How to watch Germany take on England at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 final

Germany will secure their ninth European title should they win at Wembley.

If they’re to do so, they’ll have to overcome hosts England who will be playing on home soil.

READ MORE: Are Germany fated for a historic ninth title?

The action will unfold on Sunday 31 July, with kick-off at 17:00 BST.

The BBC hold rights to air the final of the tournament across the UK.

A full list of the broadcasters and digital platforms where you can watch the final game of the Euros wherever you are is available here.