As always, German teams are extremely well drilled, work as a bloc together, and are not afraid to mix it physically if necessary. I had them on top for most of the first half, but for me France edged it in the second half, at least technically. The Germans don't have to be technically brilliant. They rely on the virtues of order and discipline. That sounds like a Basil Fawlty line but the cliché always has a kernel of truth in it.
Our team are going to have their work cut out. I think the Germans will especially bully Earps on set pieces. Not at all sure that the English girls can do it. We'll see. I'll be backing them fully anyway.
A mad stat cited at the beginning of the match by the commentators: the Germans have had to deal with seven shots on target — seven only — since the beginning of the tournament. Of course, France's goal last night does not count in those seven.
