Euro 2017: Babett Peter seals win from spot as Germany battle past Italy

Germany, six times European champions, sealed their first win in this year’s tournament but were pushed all the way by Italy who were eliminated by their 2-1 defeat in Tilburg.

Steffi Jones’ side, aiming to bounce back from a disappointing 0-0 draw with Sweden in their first match, looked on course for a routine win when Josephine Henning opened the scoring after 19 minutes. The Italy goalkeeper, Laura Giuliani, spilled the ball from a free-kick, allowing Henning to head Germany in front.

Their lead lasted only 10 minutes, however, before Ilaria Mauro turned in Barbara Bonansea’s cross to shock the defending champions. The scores stayed level until the break – although Mauro was caried off moments beforehand.

With over an hour played Germany could not find a second goal but the match turned in the 66th minute. Anja Mittag was brought down by Giuliani in the penalty area and Babett Peter sent the goalkeeper the wrong way from the spot.

Italy lost their discipline and Elisa Bartoli was sent off after picking up two yellow cards in quick succession. Despite their numerical disadvantage, Italy pressed for an equaliser and Anna Schult produced an excellent save to deny Bonansea in the closing moments.

Sweden top Group B after seeing off Russia

Germany may still have to settle for second place in the group, as Sweden sit in top spot following a 2-0 victory over Russia in Deventer. Sweden’s captain, Lotta Schelin, opened the scoring before Stina Blackstenius sealing the win in the second half.

Russia had upset Italy in their opening match but were unable to pull off another shock against Sweden, who dominated from the start and took the lead midway through the first half.

View image in fullscreen

Ekaterina Sochneva brought down Magdalena Ericsson and the left-back, taking the free-kick herself, floated the ball into the area. where the goalkeeper, Tatyana Schcherback, misjudged the flight, allowing Schelin to head the ball home unchallenged.

In the 51st minute Blackstenius burst through on goal and saw her shot deflect off Anna Kozhnikova, before finding the net via the post. Schelin missed the chance to add a third with 15 minutes to go, heading over as Sweden comfortably secured victory, while Blackstenius was replaced after suffering a head injury.

“We are now in a good position before the Italy game,” Schelin said. “We were confident in defence against Germany and now we scored two goals, so that gives us strength.”