Germany through to the semis

Germany were favourites in todays quarter final against Italy in Women´s Euro 2009 in Finland, and they lived up to the expectations. But it went close, and the game could very well have gone into extra time.

Now it ended 2-1 (1-0) to Germany after they had scored early on in both halves of the game. In both occasions Inka Grings was the player putting the ball in the net, after great set ups from her team mates.

Germany controlled the game and Italy felt a bit light against the physical German players. The Germans controlled the air and the midfield. Upfront Grings was an ever threatening force. Still it was quite obvious they have more to give than what they did today.

Italy couldn´t create much and got their goal almost out of nothing in the second half. It was Patrizia Panico who found the net. Otherwise Panico was most often too lonely at the top. At the end when Italy pushed for an equalizer she got some more support, especially from Melania Gabbiadini on the right flank. Almost all of Italy´s attacks came on that front.

And it was very close that they got an equalizer in overtime when Gabbiadini crossed and Panico got a header from close range, but it was magnificently saved by Nadine Angerer.

Grings was named Player of the Match, which is not much to say about. She was number one on the pitch this day.

Germany´s opponent in the semi final will be decided later tonight when Sweden and Norway play in Helsinki.