This match-up was set to be a German whitewash, however the game which unfolded at the Winnipeg Stadium told a story much on the contrary. A looping header by Melanie Leupolz before the break was added to in the second half by Lena Petermann (2), before Sara Daebritz made it four. However, Thailand’s defensive performance is one they will be largely proud of, especially considering the well-known quality of the German side which trounced Ivory Coast 10-0 earlier in the tournament. This expected victory means that Germany progress as champions of Group B, and have very much established themselves as one of the favourites for the World Cup trophy itself.
The encounter didn’t exactly kick into life; the result of a rigid defensive formation from Thailand which saw nearly every woman behind the ball. But such a strategy was perhaps necessary as an early lead would likely have resulted in something of a landslide.
This deep formation did however allow Germany time on the ball and to pick a pass, resulting in the European side dominating proceedings.
The Germans were still able to penetrate however, and Waraporn Boonsing in the Thailand goal was quickly called into action as Daebritz fired a curling shot goalwards, but the number one did well to push it beyond the far post.
The Asian side worked tirelessly to try and nullify the attacking threat of Germany, but their dominance of possession and physical strength meant a German goal remained a likely occurrence.
Celia Sasic went close as she received the ball in the box, and on the turn, dispatched a shot. The angle, and the fact she was off-balance, had some impact, meant Boonsing managed to get enough behind it but another early warning sign for Thailand nonetheless.
Against the run of play Germany were then almost punished for losing the ball carelessly in midfield as Kanjana Sung-Ngoen ran from the half-way line towards the German goal. But the striker, who is predominantly right footed, was hesitant in taking it on her left and the window of opportunity closed up and Germany were able to recover, deflecting the effort out for a corner. Regardless, it was Thailand’s brightest moment all game.
Having survived that scare, Germany then took full control when Leupolz headed in Melanie Behringer’s corner, which looked to have in fact ricocheted off a German head last in an unlucky blow for Thailand.
Dzsenifer Marozsan had a golden opportunity to extend the lead as she hustled her way past defender Natthakarn Chinwong, only to scuff her shot when one-on-one with Boonsing. A cleaner connection and a certain goal would have ensued.
As it was, the score remained 1-0 through to half time, with Thailand clearly the happier of the two nations.
Unfortunately for the underdogs though, things quickly changed in the second half. On 56 minutes, a beautiful Bianca Schmidt cross, which was floated back towards the far post over goalkeeper Boonsing, was met by substitute Petermann who nodded in to make it 2-0.
And within two minutes she had another. Behringer again notching another corner assist, at which point it looked as if the floodgates may well and truly open once again.
Germany dominated possession some more and cruised through the remainder of the match.
However, while still lacking in quality, their opponents showed fight and determination not to be trampled over by the superior German side who were now in full flow.
That said, Daebritz did make it 4-0, tapping in a loose ball after another cross, as the European nation used their physical presence to win the majority of aerial challenges.
Before the referee’s whistle sounded, Boonsing was required a few more times to deny the scoreline being extended in Germany’s favour, but ultimately the game finished with just the four goals for the tournament favourites.
With that victory, Germany top group B with 7 points and a much superior goal difference to their competitors Norway.
For Thailand, their 2015 World Cup may be coming to an end as they now must wait to see if they qualify as one of the best third-placed teams. However if they do bow out, they leave having given a good account of themselves; holding out 4-0 to both Norway and Germany, and crucially beating the Ivory Coast 3-2 in the only game they were realistically expected to win.
