Germany booked their place in the Olympic Quarter finals with a 4-1 victory over Zambia whose tournament is now over. Germany knew that a win would be enough to get them over the line, and now that win sees them safely into second place in the group while Zambia are rooted to the bottom of Group B. Zambia played bravely as they have done all tournament, the Copper Queens pressed high up the pitch often committing five or six players into the German half when out of possession.

The Lineups

GER: Berger; Gwinn, Hendrich, Schulze-Solano, Rauch, Brand, Minge, Popp, Bühl, Nüsken, Schüller

ZAM: Musole; Siamfuko, Zulu, Mweemba, Tembo, Nachula, Chanda, Lubandji, Kundananji, Mupopo, Banda

The Action

Germany altered their positioning of Sjoeke Nüsken for this match, Nüsken had been playing in a far more advanced role but this match she was utilised further back in midfield, and the change soon reaped rewards. Just over ten minutes into the match Nüsken played a fabulous ball over the top which found Klara Bühl who passed the ball into space in the Zambia box, where Bayern Munich striker Lea Schüller was able to calmly finish past Ngambo Musole to put Germany a goal to the good.

Germany combined to create a number of good chances in the rest of the first half while still weary of the Zambian counter, which was lacking a cutting edge in the final third. The match was a physical encounter which saw Kathrin Hendrich forced to come off early on. Sara Doorsun was introduced and was swiftly tested by Barbra Banda who flew past Doorsun with ease, but as the game progress Doorsun dealt with the threat of Banda far better.

After a cagey end to the first half, Germany flew out of the blocks in the second. The introduction of Vivien Endemann on the wing at half time helped Germany look more threatening, and straight away she found her way past Martha Tembo who had managed the threat of Brandt in the first half,  before meekly chipping the ball into Musole’s arms.

Yet Zambia did not heed that warning as Bühl was given far too much space on the edge of the box just moments later and duly fired into the inside netting of the keeper’s right hand side- 2-0.

Just as Germany looked to be sprinting away with it, Ann-Katrin Berger- a player whose been rejuvenated since moving to Gotham FC- had a moment to forget, gifting the ball to Banda on the edge of the box who was never going to miss. At 2-1 hopes of a Zambian come back rose. 

However the phenomenal Bühl would ensure Berger’s blushes were spared and the Zambian threat quelled. A darting run down the line saw Bühl into the Zambian box, she pulled the ball back for Schüller who finished into an empty net.

Zambia’s hopes of a maiden Olympic win lay in taters and Germany could sense the blood in the water. Desperate to add to their lead, Germany pushed Zambia further and further back as the half wore on, Bühl hit the crossbar with a vicious shot as did new VfL Wolfsburg recruit Janina Minge, but the Germans would have to wait for their fourth goal.

It was not until the 95th minute that substitute Elisa Senß connected brilliantly with a deflected cross to volley the ball over the head of the hapless Musole and into the back of the net to score her first goal for Germany. Die Nationalelf’s main aim will have been to put the USA result in the rear view mirror and this result does exactly that, they now have twelve wins in the last sixteen matches and will approach the Quarter finals in a confident mood. The German side advance to Marseille where they will face one of France, Colombia or Canada for a place in the semi final.

While Germany have another game to plan for, Zambia head home. It is also a crying shame for football at this tournament to lose its top scorer in Barbra Banda.

With Zambia exiting the tournament and many applauding the incredible talent the Copper Queens have demonstrated at these games, it is important to remember that this team does not have a system in place that supports them to succeed. Zambia’s squad reportedly went unpaid for two years by FAZ (Football Association Zambia) while concurrently the President of FAZ faced allegations of money laundering. The squad are subjected to a head coach who has sexual misconduct allegations against him, including from prior squad members.

As a result of these allegation the players were unable to have one to one coaching from their head coach at this tournament. FAZ appears to have an unwillingness to take the necessary steps not only to help their players excel as footballers but also to ensure these women’s safety when representing their country. Let’s hope that the next time we are lucky enough to see these talented footballers grace a major tournament, they will be doing so in an environment conducive to success.