Soccer

Germany beat Spain to close in on next round at World Cup

Sara Daebritz scores the only goal of the game in Valenciennes

Germany’s Sara Daebritz celebrates after scoring their goal in the Women’s World Cup match against Spain at Stade du Hainaut in Valenciennes. Photograph: Yves Herman/Reuters
Germany’s Sara Daebritz celebrates after scoring their goal in the Women’s World Cup match against Spain at Stade du Hainaut in Valenciennes. Photograph: Yves Herman/Reuters
Wed Jun 12 2019 - 19:24

Germany 1 Spain 0

Sara Daebritz scored the only goal of the game as Germany beat Spain 1-0 in their women's World Cup Group B match in Valenciennes to all but secure a spot in the next round.

The two-times champions, who beat China in their group opener, are on six points, with Spain in second on three. China and South Africa, who play each other on Thursday, have no points.

Spain had more possession, but Germany looked more dangerous despite missing the injured Dzsenifer Marozsan.

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Daebritz grabbed the winner on the rebound in the 42nd minute to stretch Germany’s unbeaten run to 14 matches, the longest of any team in France.

The introduction of Germany’s 18-year-old Klara Bühl after the break instantly gave them more pace and options in attack as Spain gradually dropped deeper.

Germany play South Africa next while Spain take on China.