Sport

Germany close in on World Cup progression with narrow win over Spain

Germany close in on World Cup progression with narrow win over Spain

Germany 1

Spain 0

Sara Dabritz hit the only goal of the game as Germany beat Spain to take control of their Women's World Cup group.

Having beaten China 1-0 in their first game, another solid but unspectacular performance saw Martina Voss-Tecklenburg's side win by the same scoreline in Valenciennes.

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A downpour greeted the referee's whistle to start the game and it was Spain created several half-chances in the opening stages until the rain abated and the ball was easier to control.

Sara Doorsoun's sound defending prevented Spain forward Nahikari Garcia getting a shot on goal after she nipped in behind the German back-line.

Garcia then passed up a glorious chance to open the scoring, once again finding herself one-on-one with Germany goalkeeper Almuth Schult only to send her effort wide of the target.

Silvia Meseguer was the next Spain player to miss a chance before Germany started to turn the screw.

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The match was settled three minutes before the interval as Dabritz pounced.

Alex Popp's header was saved by Spain goalkeeper Sandra Panos but her team-mate Marta Torrejon dallied in possession and her clearance was turned over the line at almost point-blank range by Dabritz.

The second half had far fewer goalscoring opportunities than the first as Germany closed ranks later in the game to secure a second win of the finals and all but book their place in the next round.

PA

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