Germany edge past China thanks to Gwinn winner

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:22 am
Germany celebrate Giulia Gwinn's winning goal.
LOIC VENANCE/AFP/Getty Image

Teenage Germany midfielder Giulia Gwinn scored a second-half winner as the two-time world champions edged past China 1-0 on Saturday to kick off their World Cup campaign.

Gwinn, 19, fired in from the edge of the box in the 66th minute to break China's resistance in the Group B encounter.

China had almost stunned the favourites against the run of play in the first half when Yang Li was sent through after an error, but her shot was cleared.

Carolin Simon hit the woodwork with a cross minutes later, but Germany's early dominance faded as China gained confidence.

China earned another golden chance from a quick break, hitting the post in the 44th minute before Germany keeper Almuth Schult came to the rescue.

Gwinn then found just enough space to fire a cleanly struck shot past keeper Peng Shimeng to settle the game.

Germany are now unbeaten in their last 13 matches, the longest run of any team taking part in the tournament in France. They take on Spain on Wednesday, while China play South Africa on Thursday.