“I had a very difficult time last year [with injury] – I am very grateful to be here. I’m free, I feel good and I can help my team,” she told the BBC.
“We are very happy that we have so many fans here. We need the spirit, the support and that’s a very good feeling. We also feel the support from Germany, we will give everything to get to the final.”
Eight-time champions Germany started the game as overwhelming favorites against Austria and took part in only their second Women’s Championship.
The Austrians, on the other hand, initially threatened two chances to score in the first 15 minutes, but Julia Hickelsberger-Füller’s shot on goal was easily parried by German goalkeeper Merle Frohms and a header from Marina Georgieva from a corner bounced off the woodwork.
After absorbing all that pressure, Germany benefited from an Austrian mistake as goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger’s clearance was intercepted, Klara Bühl danced down the left wing and played the ball inside to Lina Magull, who cleaned in the finish.
Germany had many more chances to extend their lead.
At half-time, Zinsburger held on to the 1-0 with a decisive save, and immediately after the break the Holzwerk stopped an attempt by Giulia Gwinn.
It seemed those missed opportunities were going to be costly as an outrageous 40-metre shot from Austria’s Barbara Dunst hung in the air and sped into the back net, but it too grazed the bar to give her team the equalizer by the tiniest margin refuse .
“It’s a tough moment right after the game. Looking back, the team can be very proud of how they played, not just today but throughout the tournament. We demanded everything from Germany,” said Austria head coach Irene Fuhrmann. according to UEFA.com
Four minutes later, another Austrian attack hit the woodwork before Germany missed two more chances of their own to secure their place in the semis.
In the end, it was perhaps fitting that Popp – punishing a mistake by Zinsberger – was the only one whose radar found the net to confirm Germany’s win.
“We played against a very good team. Big compliments to Austria. The game could have ended 6-3. We are happy that we won the game,” said Germany coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg, according to UEFA.com.
“We didn’t want to concede as many set-pieces, but we did better in the second half. Nevertheless, I believe that we will leave the pitch as deserved winners.”
On July 27th, Germany will face either the Netherlands or France for a place in the final.