Cerci treble helps Germany thrash Scotland as retirees given send-off
Germany's women came from behind to beat Scotland 6-1 in the Nations League on Tuesday, with Selina Cerci grabbing a second-half hat-trick in Wolfsburg.
Olympic bronze medallists Germany lead Group A1 with 10 points from four games as they eye the semi-finals and final in October, November and December.
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The top team from the four League A groups go through and two league matchdays remain. Germany next host second-placed the Netherlands on May 30 and visit Austria on June 3.
Germany coach Christian Wück has found his groove in the Nations League after wildly volatile results in friendlies when he first took over in September.
The hosts were lacklustre in the first half of a game which was broadcast live on Germany's main children's television channel in a bid to further boost interest in the women's game. However, the broadcast for some viewers had technical problems.
Scotland went ahead on 41 minutes through Caroline Weir after mistakes by new number one Ann-Kathrin Berger and midfielder Elisa Senss.
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The Germans levelled soon after the interval when Cerci headed in a corner and she had the home side in front on 57 minutes after the ball had come back off the bar.
A classy finish by substitute Hoffmann was soon followed by her second and Laura Freigang also scored in style as five goals came in 16 minutes.
Cerci then sealed her hat-trick with a neat finish on 76.
Before the match, long-time Germany internationals Almuth Schult and Lina Magull were officially bid farewell by the German Football Federation (DFB.
The ex-Wolfsburg goalkeeper and Inter Milan midfielder, who announced their retirement and international retirement recently as part of a generational change in the women's team, were presented with flowers and a large photograph by DFB president Bernd Neuendorf.
The Nations League is also operating as the warm-up tournament for Euro 2025 in Switzerland in July, where record winners Germany have been drawn with Poland, Denmark and Sweden.
Germany's Laura Freigang celebrates scoring her side's fifth goal during the UEFA Women's Nations League soccer match between Germany and Scotland at Volkswagen Arena. Swen Pförtner/dpa
Germany's Giovanna Hoffmann (2nd R) celebrates scoring her side's fourth goal with teammate Selina Cerci (R) during the UEFA Women's Nations League soccer match between Germany and Scotland at Volkswagen Arena. Swen Pförtner/dpa
Germany's Giovanna Hoffmann celebrates scoring her side's third goal during the UEFA Women's Nations League soccer match between Germany and Scotland at Volkswagen Arena. Swen Pförtner/dpa
Germany's Selina Cerci celebrates scoring her side's second goal during the UEFA Women's Nations League soccer match between Germany and Scotland at Volkswagen Arena. Swen Pförtner/dpa
Germany's Selina Cerci celebrates scoring her side's first goal during the UEFA Women's Nations League soccer match between Germany and Scotland at Volkswagen Arena. Swen Pförtner/dpa
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