ZURICH (AP) — In an exhilarating match on Wednesday, Aitana Bonmatí scored a stunning goal in extra time, propelling Spain to its first-ever Women's European Championship final with a 1-0 victory over Germany. This thrilling encounter set the stage for a rematch of the 2023 World Cup final, where Spain previously triumphed over Germany.
Despite a valiant effort from the German side, which managed to hold the world champions to extra time, it was Bonmatí's exceptional strike that ultimately secured Spain's first win against Germany in nine attempts. "I feel so proud. We deserved this," Bonmatí expressed. "We have played a great tournament throughout. We had a hard fight tonight, of course, because we were playing Germany. First to beat Germany and then to advance to the final of the Euros, who could ask for more?"
The game-changing moment came in the 113th minute when Athenea del Castillo expertly threaded the ball to Bonmatí. With a clever dummy and swift turn, Bonmatí eluded Rebecca Knaak and executed an audacious shot from a tight angle. "We had analyzed her and knew that she would leave the near post unprotected, and that is what happened. I just slotted it home," Bonmatí recalled, highlighting her tactical awareness in securing the victory.
With this win, Spain is now just one step away from adding the coveted European Championship trophy to its impressive collection, which already includes the World Cup and Nations League titles from the past two years. Montse Tomé’s team is set to face defending champions England on Sunday, in what promises to be an exciting repeat of the World Cup final that Spain won 1-0 two years ago.
Germany's hopes were dashed despite a commendable tournament performance, particularly from goalkeeper Merle Berger, who had shone in the quarterfinals against France. Following the match, Berger took responsibility for the goal that sealed Germany's fate. "I take the blame for that. The near post must be shut, absolutely," she said, expressing her disappointment for the team. "I can make as many saves as I want, but that one should have been mine, and that’s why I’m incredibly sorry."
Germany's coach, Christian Wück, defended Berger, praising her crucial saves that led the team to the semifinal. "We imagined it differently and to concede just before the end because of such a stroke of genius, that makes it incredibly bitter," he added, acknowledging the team's disappointment in missing out on a record-extending ninth European title.
In the early stages of the match, Germany almost took the lead when Klara Bühl capitalized on a long ball from Berger, but her angled shot narrowly missed the target. The German defense succeeded in stifling Spain's attack, which did not register a significant chance until the 21st minute when Berger made a stunning save, tipping a shot from top goalscorer Esther González over the bar.
Germany had its own opportunities, with Giovanna Hoffmann missing a golden chance to score in the 29th minute. However, Spain finished the half strongly, coming closest to scoring just before the interval when Irene Paredes hit the post and González's overhead kick was blocked. Berger continued to impress, making two crucial saves in stoppage time to keep Germany in the game.
As the match wore on, Spain's goalkeeper Cata Coll, although relatively untested, made pivotal saves at the end of regulation, first denying Bühl and then Carlotta Wamser, ensuring the match went into extra time. Bonmatí's late goal ultimately sealed Spain’s historic victory, setting the stage for a highly anticipated final against England.
With this win, Spain has firmly established itself as a powerhouse in women's football, and fans eagerly await the final match that could see them claim yet another prestigious title.
