Jersey Swap: Johanna Rytting Kaneryd
The Chelsea FC winger wreaked havoc down the right flank all night, eventually reaping the rewards of her hard work with an assist laid on a platter for teammate Lina Hurtig. Germany simply did not have an answer.
Der Kaiser: Kathrin Hendrich
On a dismal night for the German defense maybe it is only fitting to hand the award to a substitute. Hendrich, who plays for the Chicago Stars in the NWSL, came on at half-time and had more ground duels attempted (8) than both starting center-backs combined…although Germany was a woman down at that point and the game had changed.
Fußballgott: Elisa Senß?
Christian Wück’s midfield pivot struggled again to be major influences in the game. Sjoeke Nüsken and Elisa Senß tried their share of probing passes into the final third but it wasn’t Germany’s day. Senß lost Lina Hurtig on the easiest of tap-ins and Nüsken got a yellow card sliding in from a trailing position. Nüsken took home the last two midfield awards and it doesn’t really feel like she should get a group stage trifecta, so this one goes to Senß. The Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder will hopefully get her day to properly shine in the spotlight soon.
Der Bomber: Klara Bühll
The Bayern Munich winger had a strong outing yet again. She has yet to face a defense that can successfully corral her and is an absolute menace down the left flank. But it must be said: she needs to get more dangerous shots on target. Hopefully she will get the chance to break out the goals soon.
Meisterin of the Match: Jule Brand
Magic Jule struck again early and it looked like she was going to pop off.
Unfortunately, by half-time Brand was putting in a serious defensive shift on the right, intervening to help Germany have a fighting chance at making a game of it. With the goal — capping off a splendid run with a nutmeg through the legs of a defender — she was Germany’s most outstanding player of the night.
If there is good news for Germany it is that they have talents like hers, and the newly minted Lyon star is just 22.