Germany dispose Zimbabwe 6-1
- Aug 5, 2016
- 2 min read
Two-time World Cup winners Germany beat underdogs, Zimbabwe 6-1 in Sao Paolo. Zimbabwe attempted to fight, but it was not enough to hold off Germany.
Germany dominated possession from the start, nearly notching their first goal in the 6th minute when midfielder Isabel Kerschowski lofted in a cross to Simone Laudehr who’s volley struck the post.
Germany took a speed bump when Laudehr injured her ankle on an attempted cross. Attempting to play it off on the sidelines, Germany coach Silvia Neid was forced to bring in 22-year old Melanie Leupolz.
Germany tallied their first goal in the 22nd minute when a corner kick Dzsenifer Marozsan found Sara Daebritz for an easy header into the net.
In the 36th minute, Germany's set-piece routine proved to be fatal when Melanie Leupolz whipped a cross into the box that was perfectly met by forward Alexandra Popp to double Germany's lead.
Midfielder Melanie Behringer almost gave Germany 3-0 lead just before halftime when but her left-footed blast from outside the box rang off the post.
Early in the second half, Kudakwashe Basopo pulled one back for Zimbabwe after A shot from Rutendo Makore was parried by Almuth Schult.
Anyhow, Zimbabwe's glory would be short lived as Melanie Behringer rifled home a free kick in the 53rd minute to give the Germans a 3-1 lead.
As the second half wore on, posession but Zimbabwe held strong. In the 78th minute, Germany has a chance to another goal when Leupolz she was fouled in the box, giving the Germans a penalty kick. Behringer extended the lead to 4-1 as she volleyed home the rebound after her initial effort was denied by Zimbabwe goalie, Lindiwe Magwede.
In the 83rd minute, Germany would score again to make it 5-1. Leupolz seemed to do it on her own. After making space for herself, she controlled a long ball to softly put it pass Zimbabwe goalkeeper Magwede.
Germany put icing on the cake making it 6-1 when Eunice Chibanda diverted a ball into her own net off of a cross from Lara Goessling.
Germany now sits at the top of Group F. Canada is in second with three points and +2 goal differential, Australia is 3rd, and Zimbabwe is last.
Germany's next game is against Australia on Saturday, August 6th at The Corinthians Arena in Sao Paolo.
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