Spain reached the final of the Women’s European Championship for the very first time as they edged out Germany after extra time in an absorbing semi-final encounter in Zurich.
Aitana Bonmati struck in the 113th minute to give La Roja their first-ever victory over Germany and set up a mouth-watering showdown with England in a rerun of the World Cup final from 2023.
In a game of constantly shifting momentum, both sides were indebted in no small way to their respective goalkeepers, who both pulled off a string of impressive saves throughout a thrilling 120 minutes.
But, in the end, the contest was settled, rather fittingly, by one of the best players in the world as Spain maintain their perfect record at this summer’s tournament ahead of Sunday’s final.
How the action unfolded
The first chance of the game fell Germany’s way. On seven minutes, Klara Buhl raced beyond the Spanish back-line but she could only produce a left-footed shot that dragged wide of the mark.
Spain, perhaps predictably, asserted their dominance in possession from the off; two-time Ballon d’Or winner Bonmati beginning to dictate play from the heart of La Roja’s midfield.
But the world champions had to wait until 20 minutes in to register their first real sight of goal. Esther Gonzalaz caught a half-volley sweetly but Ann-Katrin Berger, Germany’s hero between the sticks against France in the quarter-final, brilliantly tipped the effort over the bar to keep the tie goalless.
Despite not seeing much of the ball, the Germans continued to carve out opportunities of their own. Mid-way through the half, a cross from the right from the dangerous Jule Brand made its way to Giovanna Hoffmann but the RB Leipzig forward was unable to provide the required final touch.
Spain then hit back with a flurry of chances. First, Irene Paredes headed against the foot of the post before Bonmati hit a shot that nestled safely into the arms of Berger.
In the German stopper, Spain appeared to have come up against an impenetrable force. Again, the 34-year-old was in inspired form, thwarting both Gonzalez and Claudia Pina as an enthralling half of contrasting playing styles was brought to a close.
Germany came out flying after the break. Following several half-chances, Buhl went close when she nipped in from eight-yards out but Cata Coll in the Spain goal ensured Berger was not the only keeper getting the plaudits by saving well with her legs.
Buhl, and indeed many inside Stadion Letzigrund, thought she had given her team the lead when she fizzed a free-kick millimetres wide of the mark with just five minutes remaining.
Coll was then called into action as Germany pressed for a late winner. It was far from hyperbole to say she kept Spain in the competition, palming away a looping deflected shot that was destined for the back of the net before then keeping out the follow up.
And so to extra time. With the contest delicately poised, it was a game that would inevitably be determined by a single moment of brilliance.
And that moment, somewhat appropriately, would come from one of the world’s best. With her back to goal, Bonmati – whose meningitis infection on the eve of the tournament cast a doubt over her participation – allowed the ball to run between her legs, affording her a few inches of space near the byline.
It seemed to everyone, including Berger, that she would cut the ball back across the six-yard box but the Barcelona star caught out the German keeper, squeezing an effort in at the near post and, in doing so, sending her nation to a first-ever Euros final.
