Women's Euros 2022: Germany book their place in the semis - are they fated for an historic ninth title?

Germany put in yet another colossal performance in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Women’s Euros 2022.

Beating Austria 2-0, they booked their place in the last four of the competition.

And as attention turns to their semi-final tie, can these football giants put themselves back on top once again?

The Germans are within touching distance of being able to fight for what would be a ninth European title.

Here are five reasons why they might just make history in this competition once again.

1: Emerging from the so-called ‘Group of Death’

Drawn against Spain, Denmark, and Finland in group B, the Germans were in what was dubbed 'the group of death'.

But for them, it was anything but.

They emerged group winners, with three wins from three, and no goals conceded.

Sweeping aside the competition in what was meant to be the hardest route to the knockouts set the tone for this German side going forward.

And it has seemingly filled them with confidence, too.

If 'the group of death' can't stop them, can anyone?

2: Effective game management

If you’re the team in front and you’re hearing groans from the crowd, you are almost certainty doing something right. 

And as the clock began to run down against Austria, that is exactly the kind atmosphere the Germans were creating at the Brentford Community Stadium. 

You don’t get to be eight-time winners of a major tournament without knowing how to manage a game properly and frustrate the opposition. 

From committing cynical fouls to winning their own fouls, Germany did their best to disrupt any Austrian flow that could have resulted in an equaliser. 

Their strength also allows them to protect the ball, making it hard for their opponents to regain possession in key phases of play.

In huge games like the knockout rounds of major tournaments, effective game management is the key ingredient to progressing.

3: That front three

The Germans have been one of the most consistent scorers of the tournament so far.

Every time they go forward, they look like scoring and that’s due to their commitment to getting in behind the defence whether it’s their wingers or their fullbacks.

Importantly, they have demonstrated their willingness to be patient in their efforts to put the ball in the back of their net.

Their calm and collected approach will generally give them far more clear-cut chances in front of goal, making them more efficient as a result.

But what is important about their front free, consisting generally of Klara Bühl, Alexandra Popp, and Svenja Huth, is their contributions defensively.

They defend from the front by pressing the goalkeeper but also help their fullbacks by getting back.

Bühl is among the most resilient players on the pitch, chasing down any lose ball or any player within her vicinity.

4: Their defensive unit

The German defence is not immune from conceding chances, and that showed against Austria.

But what is so impressive about them, is their ability to soak up the pressure from their opponents and turn it into attack.

One thing that is particularly notable is how their midfield three shield the two central defenders, forcing attacks out wide.

Lena Oberdorf, at just 20 years old, has already established herself as one of the best no.6s in the world – and the quarter-final demonstrated just why.

She does a magnificent job of protecting that backline, especially the centre-backs, from any central threats.

Whether she’s taking hits or committing tactical fouls, her maturity in managing the game is critical for Germany at times.

5: This is their tournament

Make no mistake, the women’s Euros is Germany’s tournament.

Eight-time winners, they are the most successful country to ever compete in the competition.

So much so, there has only been one occasion in which Germany have progressed to the last four without going on to the final, such is their dominance.

Last time out at the Euros in 2017, they were knocked out in the quarter-finals.

Now beyond that point in 2022, they're on course to reclaim their place as European champions.

How to watch Germany in the semi-finals

Germany will now play either France or the Netherlands in the semi-finals of the women's Euros 2022.

Between the high-flying French, and the Dutch reigning champions, it could be their toughest test yet.

Read more about potential opponents, France, here.

The last four clash will be shown on ARD in Germany.

But regardless of where you are in the world, Euro 2022 will be available to watch and stream live globally.

A full list of the broadcasters and digital platforms where you can watch the action is available here.

The semi-final will unfold on Wednesday 27 July, with a 20:00 BST kick-off.