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Germany and Austria share a language, a border, a common history and close ties that make comparisons inevitable. On the pitch, however, they arrive at this semi-final from very different places.
Germany finished top of Group A with seven points. They opened the tournament with a 5-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, drew 1-1 with Poland and secured qualification with a 2-0 win against Sweden.
Melanie Behringer’s side needed at least a draw on the final matchday, but they set out to win the game. Laila Portella opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 12th minute before Maj Schneider added the second after Sweden had been reduced to ten players.
Austria secured qualification with one match to spare. They defeated Iceland 3-0 and Switzerland 3-1 before losing 2-1 to Spain in their final group game.
Even in defeat, Markus Hackl’s side showed some of the qualities that have carried them into the semi-finals. Austria pulled a goal back through an Emira Makalic header from a corner and came close to equalising when Ella Herbst struck the post.
Germany will look to dominate possession, establish themselves in the opposition half and commit numbers around the penalty area. They scored eight goals and conceded only one during the group stage, although the draw against Poland showed that they do not always control matches with the same degree of comfort.
Austria are comfortable in a different kind of contest. They are strong in the duels, dangerous in transition and capable of making the most of set pieces. They had less possession against Spain but found opportunities to break forward and kept the match alive until the end.
One of the key questions will be whether Germany can attack without leaving space behind them. If Austria can regain possession and break before their opponents reorganise, they may force Germany into a more open semi-final than they would prefer.
Absences could also play a part. Germany will be without Luzie Zähringer, who is suspended after receiving two yellow cards during the group stage, and lost Zoe Schick to injury in their opening match.
Austria are missing Anna Osl, who was injured against Iceland, and Sara Grabovac, who had to leave the pitch against Spain with a serious knee injury.
Experience also separates the two teams. Germany are making their 19th semi-final appearance and pursuing a seventh title, although they have not won the tournament since 2011. Austria had previously qualified for the final tournament only twice and had never progressed beyond the group stage.
For Germany, the semi-final offers the chance to return to a final that has long formed part of their history. For Austria, it is an opportunity to reach a place that had previously seemed reserved for other nations.
The winners will face Spain or Sweden in Friday’s UEFA Women’s Under-19 EURO final.
Match details
Germany–Austria
Competition: UEFA Women’s Under-19 Championship, Semi-final 1
Date: Tuesday 7 July 2026
Time: 20:00 CEST
Venue: Grbavica Stadium, Sarajevo
