Today is the day where 2 European heavyweights clash together to fight it out for a bronze medal for there country with Germany coming out on top.
Spain has never been able to beat Germany in recent years, and the last time the 2 sides met was in the Euros in 2022 where Germany won 2-0 with Bühl and Popp scoring the goals.
How the teams lined up:
Spain decided use a 4-1-2-3 which is the formation that that have been using for the most part of the tournament, although this formation did bring them a heavy defeat.
Germany decided to go with a 4-4-2
Which is the line up they have been playing with for most of the games, which has lead to some good and bad result for them with not scoring a goal in open play since the group stages.
First half:
Germany start of the game very strong with 2 corners under 10 minutes, but they just can’t seem to be able to find the delivery to trouble the Spanish defence or Coll the Spanish goalkeeper. Even when Germany work there way up to Spains side they are unable to get a shot off.
At this point both sides seem very evenly matched, Germany attacking more frequently and Spain attacking more in the transition period.
The first real attack on the goal came from Germany when Spain had there first free kick in a dangerous area in the pitch in the 22nd minute , the free kick was taken by Abelleira , it was a a really promising delivery that went just over the bar, but it is certainly a warning of what may happen if Germany commit too many fouls in a dangerous place on the pitch.
This game is required to have cooling break for the players as the weather is extraordinarily hot at 31 degrees.
The German defence has done a great job so far at keeping Paralluelo at bay by having 2 player on her at all times when she makes a dangerous run.
Spain where able to create a great chance with Bonmatí shooting that just came off the bar , Hermoso was to seek out the rebound ball but it was intercepted by the Germans strong defence.
At the end of the first half there was 4 minutes added on , but at the end of the 4 minutes the score remained level.
Second half
The second half began as the first half ended with Germany struggling to get a shot off, with a good defence from Spain making up for the chaotic back line from last game. Germany were eventually able to try and get a shot off but Minge hit the ball just wide, and if it was in target,Coll could’ve been beaten as she didn’t move to save the shot.
Spain are able to get a shot off with Paralluelo but in this game it feels like every shot is directed straight too Berger which is really disappointing given the quality of players Spain has and Germany are quick to take advantage with this as they run forwards and as Germany run forward with Gwinn Coll makes a big mistake clattering into Gwinn , that then leads to a penalty in the 63rd minute.
Gwinn lines up to take it looking cool calm and collected and Gwinn was able to convert the penalty to a goal slotting the ball into the back of the net.
Carmona, who was just substituted on for Del Castillo provides an excellent cross in the 75th minute, Hermoso was able to get her head on to the ball but Berger was able to make a wonderful catch to not let Spain in for an all important equaliser.
As the minutes where running down there was a growing sense of urgency for Spain to score , which then led to Spain putting in fouls that worked to Germany’s advantage, who where able to run down the clock!
At the end of the second half there was 7 more minutes for Spain to equalise, and they are pushing more and more for a late equaliser. At 7 min 3 seconds With a tackle from Minge , García went down in the box. Spain where awarded a penalty, this could keep their dreams alive, or crush them.
It was Alexia Putellas to take it the all important penalty . What could be the final show down in a thrilling game, as Putellas positioned her self to the side she took the penalty with lots of power, but it is saved by Berger! Heartbreak for Spain as they see there 3rd place medal slip away from them in a blink of an eyes. With that Germany take the bronze medal heartbreak for Spain, who are still not able to beat Germany in recent years.
Results:
Germany take the bronze medal for the games with Berger really being there hero, the goal keeper has proved to be a rock in Spains defence and especially with saving that all important penalty in the dying few seconds of the game. With the euros coming up in 2025 , will fans see her starting more games now she is getting regular minutes since leaving Chelsea?
After a disappointing tournament for Spain they will be looking ahead to the euros and trying to change the things that went wrong for them and did not work.
Team Line up.
Spain
Coll(GK), Batlle, Oihane,L.codina, Aleixandri, Abelleira, Bonmatí,Putellas(C), Del Castillo,, Paralluelo, Hermoso
Germany
Berger(GK))Linder, Hendrich, Hegering,Minge, Nüsken,Popp (c),Gwinn,Brand,Bühl,Rauch
Comentários