Spain Edges Germany in extra Time Thriller to Reach EURO 2025 Final
Zurich, Switzerland – Spain secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Germany in the semifinals of EURO 2025, with a late extra-time goal by Mariona Caldentey ending Germany’s tournament hopes and preventing a penalty shootout. The German team, which had shown flashes of brilliance throughout the competition, ultimately fell short against a determined Spanish side.
Germany’s journey in EURO 2025 was marked by resilience and individual heroics, particularly from goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger.Despite a promising start, the team struggled with consistency and faced meaningful challenges due to player suspensions and injuries. Their campaign saw them navigate a tough group stage, including a 2-1 win over Denmark and a 4-1 loss to Sweden.
Key moments for Germany included a crucial quarterfinal victory over france, decided by a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw. Goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger was instrumental in this win,making a series of vital saves and stopping two penalties in the shootout. Her performance was a highlight of Germany’s tournament, earning widespread praise.
Though, Germany’s path to the final was hampered by disciplinary issues and injuries. carlotta Wamser was sent off early in the match against Sweden for a handball, and Kathrin Hendrich received a red card in the quarterfinal against France for pulling the hair of an opponent. Captain Giulia Gwinn was ruled out for the remainder of the tournament after an injury sustained in the opening game against Poland. These setbacks forced Germany to adopt more defensive strategies, relying on counter-attacks from players like Jule Brand and Klara Bühl.
In the semifinal against Spain, Germany was further depleted by the suspensions of Hendrich and Nüsken, and the injury to sarai Linder. This defensive reshuffling proved costly. Despite another strong performance from Berger, who made several key saves, Spain’s Bonmatí found the breakthrough in extra time, capitalizing on a momentary lapse in the German defense.
The loss ended Germany’s bid for a rematch with defending champions England in the final. The tournament also saw notable contributions from Franziskka Kett, Giovanna Hoffmann, and Jule Brand, whose early goal against Poland was a standout moment. Germany, an eight-time European champion, demonstrated significant determination throughout the competition, but ultimately could not overcome the challenges they faced.
