U20 Women's World Cup: Bender nets brace in Germany win

Bender, who made it 2-0 from the penalty spot (38') as well as 4-1 (45+6'), netted her first goals for the U20s. The other Germany goals were scored by Marie Steiner (15’), Sophie Nachtigall (44’) and Cora Zicai (56’). Zdebel played her eighth U20 international fixture in front of a crowd of 1,971 at the El Techo Stadium in Bogota and it was the fourth cap for first-time goalscorer Bender.

"We played well today and deserved to win. Our aim was not to be influenced by the fiery approach of the Venezuelans and instead assert our game on the pitch. The girls did that very well, combined very well for large parts of the game and created lots of chances on goal," said Germany coach Kathrin Peter. "We are happy about the great opening win but we know very well that it's only the first step. Now it's about focusing on the second group match against Nigeria."

In Group D, Germany play Nigeria on Thursday, 5 September (midnight CEST). The final group game against South Korea is on Saturday, 7 September (22.00 CEST). That means Bender and Zdebel will be unavailable for the Werkself in the second round tie in the DFB Pokal away to Regional League Karlsruher SC on Sunday, 8 September (kick-off: 12.00 CEST).

If possible Round of 16 match will be played on 12 or 13 September, the quarter-finals follow on 15 and 16 September. The semi-final is set for 18th/19th September. After the third place play-off on 21 September, the new World Cup winners will be crowned on Sunday, 22 September (kick-off: 23.00 CEST). All games will be broadcast live on a free streaming service at FIFA+.