Alexandra Popp scores against Nigeria with yet another header (Video)

Germany captain Alexandra Popp is one of the best strikers in the world and an absolute nightmare for defenders in the air, so it was no surprise that she scored a headed goal to give Germany a 1-0 lead over Nigeria.

Alexandra Popp scored her second goal of the tournament, heading the ball home from a corner kick to give Germany a 1-0 lead over Nigeria in the Round of 16. Germany’s captain, Popp is one of the most prolific goal-scorers in the history of international football, and she has been at the heart of everything good for her country’s attack this World Cup.

Her first goal of the tournament came in Germany’s 4-0 blowout win over South Africa, and she looked dangerous early on in her team’s first knockout stage game.

Germany had won a handful of corners in the first 20 minutes of their match against Nigeria. They finally decided to stop with the short corners and short passes, instead opting to put the ball on the head of their star player. Popp delivered, punishing Nigeria’s poor marking with a perfectly placed header into the far corner of the net.

The goal was reviewed by VAR, but the official confirmed the goal after determining that Svenja Huth did not interfere in the goalkeeper’s line of vision.

Popp’s expert header came in her 100th appearance for Germany, and it was only fitting that she scored so early into her landmark appearance. The 28-year-old Wolfsburg star has now scored 48 times for her country, moving her into a tie with Silvia Neid for seventh on the all-time list. Her current average of .48 goals per game places her fifth in efficiency among the top 10 goal-scorers in Germany’s history.

Germany are one of the favorites to win the 2019 Women’s World Cup, and they have yet to surrender a goal in the competition. It’s a feat they accomplished for a full tournament once in 2007 when they won the World Cup for a second straight time.