Germany power past Ukraine

A 3-1 win against Ukraine in Kyiv has left Germany top of UEFA Women's Championship qualifying Group 4.
 
Bright start
With two wins in two games, Germany lead Scotland on goal difference, but weakened by the absence of a number of key players, Germany were a goal behind after just four minutes as Svitlana Frisco's free-kick was handled by one of the visiting side's defenders inside the area. Olena Mazurenko converted from the penalty spot.

German comeback
The home side looked to be heading into the interval with a lead until Kerstin Garefrekes scored following a corner kick after 41 minutes. Eleven minutes after half-time, the reigning European champions took the lead as central defender Sandra Minnert powered a shot into the Ukraine net from 25 metres. Their victory was complete when Martina Müller exploited a defensive error to make it 3-1 with two minutes of normal time remaining.

Gracious in defeat
With four games gone, that defeat leaves Ukraine at the foot of their qualifying group. Coach Mykola Lytvyn said that his side had endeavoured to hit Germany on the counterattack in Kyiv but were simply overwhelmed. "Germany are an example for any women's squad," he concluded gracefully.