🇩🇪 Germany scrape past Vietnam as Women's World Cup prep begins | OneFootball

Germany kicked off their Women’s World Cup prep with a 2-1 win over Vietnam on Saturday.

Scorers: Krumblegel 3′, Freigang 80′; Nguyen Thi Thanh Nha 90+3′

It didn’t take long for the deadlock to break at Sparda Bank Hessen Stadium as the world’s second-ranked side made their presence known at home.

Nicole Anyomi’s driving run into the box evaded a handful of defenders before her cross was flicked in and off the post by Paulina Krumblegel.

However, following the goal, Vietnam managed to stifle Germany’s dominance (72% possession and 15 shots to six) after being shocked early on.

It remained a one-goal game at the break, and coming into the second half, Vietnam attempted to ramp up the pressure led by captain Pham Hai Yen.

Set pieces, in particular, will be a threat for other teams to watch out for in Australia and New Zealand. Unfortunately for Vietnam, none of their efforts found a foot or a head for an equaliser.

Germany almost doubled their lead around the hour mark when Laura Freigang was played through on goal but dragged her shot inches wide.

The missed effort would eventually be a thought of the past, though, when substitute Janina Minge’s lunging volley beat Tran Thi Kim Thanh for a second time.

Thirty-second ranked Vietnam did manage to stun Germany at the death, as Nguyen Thi Thanh Nha was played through on goal and smashed home from range to erase any clean sheet hopes.

The result will send a signal to those participating in the Women’s World Cup, as Germany looked somewhat puzzled over 90 min against a very well-organized Vietnam.