Frustration within the Germany national team was huge after they suffered their biggest defeat at a women's European championship in a 4-1 loss to Sweden on Saturday. "We clearly went into this game wanting to finish first in the group.
Frustration within the Germany national team was huge after they suffered their biggest defeat at a women's European championship in a 4-1 loss to Sweden on Saturday.
"We clearly went into this game wanting to finish first in the group. And that's why we're a bit down now," coach Christian Wück said.
Both teams were assured of reaching the quarter-finals before the match.
However, Sweden finished top of Group C with maximum points and may now have an easier path in the knock-outs where they reached the semi-finals at the last Euros and last two World Cups.
The 1984 champions will next face the Group D runner-up on Wednesday, possibly title holders England or the Netherlands, and have avoided a potential semi-final against world champions Spain.
Germany, in second, will play the Group D winner on Friday, with impressive France top before their finale on Sunday. France beat England last week and Germany in the 2024 Nations League semi-finals, and the winner could then face Spain in the semis.
"We will shake it off and then go into this quarter-final with joy and courage. No matter against whom - whether it's France or England or the Netherlands," Wück said.
Forward Laura Freigang added: "Of course it brings you back down to Earth. It's the kind of day you'd prefer not to have during a European championship. But I'd rather have it today than any other day because now we have knock-out games."
Germany fell apart after Carlotta Wamser, who had done well in replacing captain Giulia Gwinn who suffered a tournament-ending knee injury in the first match, was sent off for handling the ball, which also led to a penalty.
"The red card was crucial in preventing us from coming back," Wück said. However, the defence had already looked poor, conceding two goals before Wamser was sent off.
"Even with 11 players, it would have been difficult to come back. We're down now, but we'll get back up again," Wück said.
Wamser will also be suspended for one game and will miss the quarter-final match in Basel next Saturday.
Category: General Sports
