ZURICH: Spain has reached it’s first-ever Women’s European Championship final. They beat Germany 1-0 in extra time on Wednesday night, thanks to a superb goal from Aitana Bonmati.
The winning goal came in the 113th minute after a tough match. Spain mostly had control of the ball but found it hard to get past Germany’s strong defense. This big win means Spain will now play against reigning champions England in the final in Basel on Sunday.
This match will be a repeat of the 2023 World Cup final, which Spain won. During the game, Spain attacked a lot. Spain’s captain, Irene Paredes, hit the post with a header in the first half.
Germany focused on defending well and trying to counter-attack. German winger Klara Buhl also played well, getting behind Spain’s defense in the 63rd minute but shooting directly at the keeper, Cata Coll.
As Germany’s defense remained solid, Spain struggled to score. Near the end of regular time, Buhl almost scored with a deflected shot that Coll had to save, leading to extra time with no goals.
Germany had a good record in Euro semi-finals, winning nine out of ten before this match, and looked like they might push for penalties. But Bonmati changed that. For Bonmati, who had a health scare before the tournament, the goal was even more special because it was Spain’s first win against Germany in a major final.
“I feel proud. We deserve it. We’ve had a brutal championship,” Bonmati said, talking about how hard it was to break down Germany. “Today we also suffered, of course, against Germany.
It’s the first time we’ve beaten Germany too, and for those who win at the end of the European Championship, what more could you ask for, right?”
Germany’s goalkeeper, Ann-Katrin Berger, who was important in their quarter-final shootout win, took responsibility for the goal. “I take the blame for that as well. The near post had to be covered, that’s clear, and that’s why I’m even more disappointed in myself,” she stated.
“I can make as many saves as I want, but that goal should have simply been mine, and that’s why I feel incredibly sorry not even for myself, but for the team because they really gave everything.”
