Nations League Recap: Germany Dominates with a 5-1 Win Over Wales
In a devastating defeat at Sinsheim, Gemma Grainger’s Welsh squad yielded five goals for the second consecutive Nations League match, falling to Germany 5-1.
The Germans came out swinging, unleashing a volley of first-half opportunities and breaking the deadlock with a header by Lea Schuller in the 25th minute.
Despite the onslaught, Wales managed to level the score going into halftime, thanks to a point-blank goal by Ceri Holland. Unfortunately, the reprieve was short-lived.
Schuller found the net again with another header, and Germany put the game out of reach by netting three more goals in the last ten minutes of play. Giulia Gwinn sealed the deal with an 80th-minute penalty kick, followed by Sjoeke Nusken’s deflected strike and a quick goal from substitute Nicole Anyomi.
This lopsided victory was well-deserved for the Germans, who continually pressured the Welsh defense with numerous scoring opportunities.
The Welsh will try to rebound in their upcoming game against Denmark on Tuesday.
Throughout the match, Wales appeared mostly on the back foot but can find some solace in converting their lone clear-cut scoring chance.
Already struggling in their group, Grainger’s team had hoped to redeem themselves following a 5-1 defeat by Denmark and a prior 1-0 loss to Iceland. Conversely, the German squad was also underperforming, having suffered an early exit from the World Cup and a defeat against Denmark in their opening Nations League match.
The numbers favored the hosts, who dominated possession and scoring opportunities in the first 25 minutes, a stark contrast to their recent woes.
Laura Freigang and Sarai Linder both squandered early scoring chances, while Kayleigh Green made a crucial defensive play to keep Gwinn’s header from hitting the net. But Germany’s relentless pressure ultimately broke through, courtesy of Schuller’s well-timed header off a cross from Linder.
As much as the Germans deserved to pull ahead, Wales remained scrappy. Goalkeeper Olivia Clark stepped up, blocking multiple shots and preventing what could have been an even more humiliating scoreline.
Wales pulled even against the flow of play just before the halftime whistle, when Jess Fishlock’s forward push resulted in a goal by Holland, after excellent work from Sophie Ingle and Angharad James. This was a rare bright spot for Wales, marking their first goal against Germany in five encounters.
But any illusions of an upset were shattered early in the second half, as Schuller notched her second goal following a pinpoint cross from substitute Linda Dollman.
Despite a few isolated moments of brilliance from goalkeeper Clark, the Germans were relentless. The inevitable late-game surge saw goals from Gwinn, Nusken, and Anyomi, confirming Germany’s dominance and exposing Wales’ defensive frailties.
Wales Manager Gemma Grainger admitted the defeat was tough to swallow. While acknowledging a better performance than in their loss to Denmark, she emphasized the need for learning and growth.
“It’s brutal; conceding that 80th-minute penalty was a turning point,” said Grainger. “Sure, the scoreboard reads the same as the Denmark match, but we played better. There are bright spots, but unfortunately, the end result isn’t one of them. We’ve got to take these lessons to heart as we prepare for Tuesday’s match against Denmark.”
Line-ups and Match Statistics
Home Team: Germany
Away Team: Wales
Possession
Home: 69%
Away: 31%
Shots
Home: 35
Away: 4
Shots on Target
Home: 12
Away: 1
Corners
Home: 20
Away: 1
Fouls
Home: 8
Away: 5
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Nations League Germany vs Wales 5-1
What was the final score between Germany and Wales in the Nations League match?
The final score was a resounding 5-1 victory in favor of Germany.
Who were the standout players for Germany?
Lea Schuller and Giulia Gwinn were among the standout players for Germany. Schuller scored twice, and Gwinn added a goal via a penalty kick.
How did Wales manage to level the score initially?
Wales leveled the score just before halftime thanks to a close-range goal by Ceri Holland, which was set up by a beautiful play involving Jess Fishlock, Sophie Ingle, and Angharad James.
What was the possession statistic for both teams?
Germany dominated possession with 69%, leaving Wales with just 31%.
Did Wales have any standout performers despite the loss?
Wales’ goalkeeper, Olivia Clark, was a standout performer, making several crucial saves to keep her team in the game for as long as possible.
How have both teams been performing recently in the Nations League?
Both teams were looking to bounce back from previous losses. Wales had lost 5-1 to Denmark and 1-0 to Iceland, while Germany had lost their opening match against Denmark.
What did Wales’ manager Gemma Grainger say after the match?
Gemma Grainger acknowledged the better performance compared to their loss to Denmark but emphasized the need for learning and growth ahead of their next match.
How many shots on target did each team have?
Germany had a staggering 12 shots on target, while Wales managed just one.
When is Wales’ next match?
Wales is set to play against Denmark on the following Tuesday.
How significant was this match for Wales’ position in their group?
The loss left Wales at the bottom of their group, making their next matches crucial as they strive to avoid relegation from League A of the inaugural women’s Nations League.
More about Nations League Germany vs Wales 5-1
- Nations League Official Website
- Germany Women’s National Football Team
- Wales Women’s National Football Team
- BBC Sport: Football
- UEFA Women’s Nations League: Group Standings
- Post-Match Interview with Gemma Grainger
- Match Highlights: Germany vs Wales
- Player Statistics: Lea Schuller
- Player Statistics: Giulia Gwinn
- Olivia Clark’s Career Stats
10 comments
Olivia Clark against Arsenal last weekend and now against Germany? Girl is getting some serious experience.
Whoa, what a thrashin! Germany was just too good, man. Wales needs to up their game big time.
Seriously tho, how can Wales expect to win if they’re so sloppy on defense? Like, wake up guys!
ugh, another 5-1 loss? cmon Wales, we can do better than this!
Lea Schuller was on fire! Two goals? That’s what I’m talking bout!
This puts Germany in a pretty strong position, right? Im eager to see how the tables turn in the next matches.
I think Gemma Grainger’s got a lot of work to do. better luck next time, maybe?
Anyone else think the German team had an awesome playlist going on in the locker room? With that energy, they must’ve been jammin to something good!
A bit heartbreaking to see Wales lose like that. But hats off to Olivia Clark, she’s got some real talent in goal.
Germany 69% possession? That’s just nuts. Wales had almost no time on the ball lol.