Germany will play their first major final for 31 years. Even more impressive, the host nation were in control against France and achieved a well deserved medal with 29–23.
Germany needed a slight adjustment to not playing in front of thousands of cheering fans, but the adaptation went super quick.
Viola Leuchter turned up the heat in Rotterdam with power shots, Antje Döll was alert and efficient and Emily Vogel also posed a threat that took Germany to a two goal lead, 6–4.
France bounced back from 6–10 via a timeout, a goalkeeper switch and Orlane Kanor entered to increase the pressure from the left back.
Still, throughout the first half Katharina Filter was ahead in the keeper stats and Germany held on to the lead, 12–15 on the board at half time.
Germany kept their cool with a solid defense. France had to chase and overplayed their cards, like the red card that got Onacia Ondono excluded.
The reigning world champion simply couldn’t create the scoring frequency needed. Towards the end Germany played wise and tactically perfect to benefit from the opponent’s mistakes.
Added focus from Sarah Bouktit in the pivot position was the last chance saloon for France. But Germany couldn’t be hindered and put the last effort in to secure the top two spot.
France–Germany 23–29 (12–15)