The Spanish world champions, worn by the double golden ball Aitana Bonmatí, managed to overcome German (1-0) from the German semi-final on Wednesday, July 23 and will face, as during the 2023 World Cup, England on Sunday in the final in Basel.
The Germans, aggressive and combative, held everything they were able to but finally gave in the second period of the extension. And Spain will play its first final in one euro on Sunday against the English of Sarina Wiegman.
This success is also historic because it is the first victory in its history against Germany, whether in friendly or in major competitions. And it is also a small revenge for the match for the bronze medal of the Olympic Games in Paris (1-0), won by the Germans last summer.
“It’s incredible, we are writing the story. This is what we wanted. It was difficult, but we are in the final ”reacted the Spanish captain Irene Paredes. “I don’t believe in fate. I believe in work and mentality ”underlined the Spanish game leader Aitana Bonmatí. And all of this occurred largely thanks to it.
Bright throughout the match, number 6-delivery of meningitis just before the Euro-sublimated the semi-final by its talent and sent its teammates to the final: after a magnificent oriented control, she deceived the German goalkeeper, hitherto impeccable, striking the first post, poorly protected (1-0, 113rd).
His first goal in competition, the most important and at the best time. Until then, his technique, his vision and his defensive efforts had delighted, without making Christian Wück’s players fold. For long minutes, the executioners of the Blue returned to the heads of the Spanish and were even more dangerous in the second half.
But for more than two years now, Spain and its game in small spaces have reigned over European football, helped by the Barcelona gaming leader, who was everywhere on Wednesday evening, for recovery and creation, unlike Alexia Potellas, very discreet.
Double World Cup then Euro?
For long minutes, the pretty Spanish movements were most of the time not dangerous in the face of the defense perfectly in place (58th). Opposite Germany has played in transitions (29th, 63rd) and was close to scoring on set kicks and at the end of the match (85th), and Carlotta Wamser even had two goal opportunities at the end of the match.
Germany, without its injured captain Giulia Gwinn and with two suspended players, was very solid, especially during the last ten minutes of the first period, where the players of Montse Tomé pushed (40th, 41st, 44th, 45th). Captain Irene Paredes even found the post (41st) on a Pina corner.
The German goalkeeper Ann-Katryn Berger released a big game again as last Saturday against France (1-1, Tab 6-5), like her stop on this strike from Esther Gonzalez, found on a good opening of relatives (45th + 1). In all, the German door made more than 15 parades.
In the race for a ninth European title, Germany has sold, despite all the experience and aggressiveness of its players. Giovanna Hoffmann, aligned at the forefront of the attack in place of the star Lea Schüller (back to the end of the match) put a lot of physical impacts, but did not weigh in the defense. “I can only thank the 23 players, they were very good. I am very disappointed but very proud of the team ”reacted the German coach
Suddenly, like the bench that comforted Kleinherle released during extensions because of a knee injury and Giulia Gwinn going to give drinking to his teammates or Sarai Linder who went to the stands harang the spectators, they were joined as against France. But this time it was not enough in the face of the talent of the Spanish, world champions and which are now aiming for the double World Cup/Euro.
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