Germany vs France LIVE: Euro 2022 result and final score as Alexandra Popp double sets up England final
Germany 2-1 France: Popp scored two crucial goals as the eight-time European champions advanced to Wembley and booked a meeting with the Lionesses
Germany will play England in the Euro 2022 final after they defeated France thanks to a double from captain Alexandra Popp in Milton Keynes.
The eight-time European champions Germany took a deserved lead near the end of a fast-paced opening half, as Popp arrived into the box to score for the fifth match in a row at the tournament.
But it was quickly cancelled out before the break by the French, playing in their first major tournament semi-final, when Kadidiatou Diani’s fierce hit rebounded off the post and cannoned off the unfortunate goalkeeper Merle Frohms.
France would have the better chances in the second half - but Germany had the more clinical striker. Popp once again times her run to perfection and it was the Germany captain’s towering header that restored their lead on 76 minutes.
The goal, which also moved Popp level with England’s Beth Mead in the golden boot standings, proved to be decisive and Germany will face the Lionesses in the Wembley final on Sunday.
Follow all the reaction and relive the match as Germany edged France in a thrilling Euro 2022 semi-final:
Rest of German squad negative for Covid
The German FA explained that Klara Buhl is now isolating after her positive Covid test and is not showing symptoms. The rest of the team and staff have tested negative. In a press conference on Tuesday head coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg said:
"The most important thing is Klara is feeling very well and has hardly any symptoms, that’s why we were surprised to hear she is positive.
"It has made us all a bit subdued. We knew it could happen and see this as our next challenge. We will try to stay in this tournament and provide some happiness for her.
"We’ve tested everyone else and everyone seems fine. We had a meeting with the team and we can only influence the things we can influence.
"We give support to the player and everyone got in touch with Klara. I know this team is so amazing so it will bring them closer together."
Buhl out for Germany
The eight-time European champions have been dealt a blow ahead of tonight’s semi-final with France as winger Klara Buhl will miss the match due to testing positive for Covid-19.
The 21-year-old has played in all four of her country’s games so far with Germany winning each on, scoring 11 goals and not conceding any.
Germany vs France
Hello and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of the second Euro 2022 semi-final as Germany face France in Milton Keynes.
Germany are unbeaten through their campaign so far, keeping four clean sheets in as many games. They topped Group B before easing past a resiliant Austria 2-0 in the quarter-finals.
France also finished top of their group and faced the Netherlands in the last-eight. A flurry of missed chances threatened to hlat Corinne Diacre’s sides progress but Eve Perisset sank a penalty in extra-time to send Les Bleus into their first ever Women’s Euros semi-final.
The winner of this semi-final will journey on to Wembley where they’ll face England who cruised into the final after demolishing Sweden 4-0 in the first semi-final.
We’ll be bringing you all the action from tonight’s game as well as reaction from England’s victory over Sweden yesterday.
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