Eight-time Euro winners Germany crush Denmark as Spain overcome a fright

Eight-time Women's European Championship winners Germany laid down a marker by thrashing 10-man Denmark 4-0 in Group B.

Lina Magull capitalised on a defensive mix-up to put Die Nationalelf ahead after 21 minutes at a sold-out Brentford Community Stadium.

Martina Voss-Tecklenburg's side had been rampant and went close when Felicitas Rauch hit the bar twice in the space of three minutes.

Germany's dominance paid off when Lea Schuller nodded in a second just before the hour mark.

Lena Lattwein then added a third before substitute Alexandra Popp — making her European Championship debut on her 115th appearance — got the fourth.

Denmark were reduced to 10 late on when substitute Kathrine Kuhl earned a petulant second yellow at the death.

Germany coach Voss-Tecklenburg said: "We played an outstanding game. We were at it right away and created plenty of scoring chances that we didn't really take advantage of in the first half. 

"We were incredibly dominant and aggressive. It was a great team effort by everyone involved."

Danish coach Lars Sondergaard felt his side did not do enough in the big moments. 

He said: "We became a little insecure in the first half, especially after they twice hit the woodwork. 

"Then we made a big mistake before the opening goal. Those are the periods you need to survive; we didn't, and then it gets tough. 

"We didn't play with courage."

The win puts Germany top of Group B on goal difference after Spain got their tournament underway with a 4-1 rout of Finland earlier in the day.

The nation ranked 28th in the world stunned pre-tournament favourites Spain when Linda Sallstrom struck after just 50 seconds at Stadium MK.

Adelina Engman almost doubled Finland's lead with a low shot before Spain asserted themselves on the game.

After seeing a goal disallowed, captain Irene Paredes thumped home a header from a corner.

Aitana Bonmati gave La Roja the lead for the first time four minutes before the interval with another header.

Goals in the final 15 minutes from Lucia Garcia — yet another header — and Mariona Caldentey — with a penalty — completed the rout.

Speaking afterwards, Spain coach Jorge Vilda said: "We knew that Finland were a team who could hurt us in transitions. 

"I never lost my conviction that we could come back into the game, with our players and potential."

Opposite number Anna Signeul felt hard done-by however and said: "I don't think the scoreline tells the whole story of the match, we gave Spain a really tough time. 

"Many of our players had a fantastic game, we worked really hard and stuck to our game plan. 

"Spain, however, are really good in dead-ball situations and scored three goals from them. That is an area in which we must improve."

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