Spain vs Germany ends 0-1 thanks to penalties, here is a recap of the final for third place at the Paris 2024 Olympics
Germany is Olympic bronze medalist Germany is bronze medalist in women’s soccer Olympics.
Hrubesch’s national team secured the bronze medal at the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament in with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Spain. Giulia Gwinn’s decisive penalty and Ann-Katrin Berger’s crucial last-minute save on another penalty kick ensured Germany’s place on the podium for the fourth time in their Olympic history.
Spain Vs Germany: match summury
The bronze medal match was a tense and closely contested affair between two of Europe’s football powerhouses. Germany, determined to end the tournament on a high note, came out of the gates with energy and intent. Early in the game, Jule Brand and Klara Bühl showcased their skill, with Bühl’s clever nutmeg drawing applause from the crowd. Despite these early German attacks, Spain gradually grew into the match, taking control as the first half progressed.
Spain’s dominance was highlighted by several near-misses. Teresa Abelleira’s free-kick rattled the crossbar, a warning shot that underscored Spain’s growing influence. The Spanish side continued to press, with Aitana Bonmatí orchestrating the midfield. A perfectly timed pass from Bonmatí to Salma Paralluelo seemed destined to break the deadlock, but a brilliant tackle from Marina Hegering kept the score level. Moments later, Bonmatí herself was denied by the crossbar, with Jenni Hermoso’s follow-up effort being deflected over the goal.
Gwinn’s Moment of Glory
Despite Spain’s dominance, it was Germany who struck first. In the 65th minute, a long ball into the Spanish penalty area found Giulia Gwinn, who was brought down by Spain’s goalkeeper Cata Coll. The referee pointed to the spot, and Gwinn, showing great composure, picked herself up and calmly slotted the penalty past Coll to give Germany the lead.
Gwinn’s goal was a testament to her resilience and poise under pressure. The 25-year-old winger has been one of Germany’s standout performers throughout the tournament, and her contribution in the bronze medal match was pivotal.
Berger’s Heroics in Goal
With the clock ticking down, Spain threw everything they had at the German defense in a desperate attempt to find an equalizer. Their persistence seemed to pay off when, in the dying moments of the game, Mariona Caldentey was fouled inside the box, earning Spain a penalty. Alexia Putellas, one of the most celebrated players in women’s football, stepped up to take the crucial kick.
However, Ann-Katrin Berger, the 33-year-old German goalkeeper, anticipated Putellas’ shot, diving to her right and deflecting the ball onto the post. It is this save that determined the outcome of the match and secured the German national team a place on the Olympic podium once again.
Germany’s victory over Spain marks their fifth podium finish in the six Women’s Olympic Football Tournaments they have participated in, adding another bronze to their collection alongside the gold medal won at Rio 2016. This consistency underscores Germany’s status as one of the dominant forces in women’s football.
Brazil beats Spain and goes to the final in Paris 2024.
The match against Spain was emblematic of Germany’s fighting spirit and tactical discipline. Despite facing a technically gifted and aggressive Spanish side, Germany remained composed and capitalized on their opportunities when they arose. The win was a fitting end to a challenging tournament for the German team, who showed resilience and determination throughout.
For Spain, the match was a bitter disappointment. Despite controlling large portions of the game and creating numerous chances, they were unable to convert their dominance into goals. The Spanish side, led by Montse Tomé, demonstrated their technical prowess but were ultimately undone by a combination of bad luck and Germany’s defensive resilience.
For the German women’s national team, this bronze medal is a testament to their ability to perform under pressure. Giulia Gwinn’s composure in scoring the penalty and Ann-Katrin Berger’s save will be remembered as the key moments of the match that secured Germany a place on the podium. The final result not only enriches Germany’s illustrious history in women’s football but also lays the foundation for future successes.
As the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament at Paris 2024 draws to a close, Germany’s victory over Spain serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football, where determination, experience, and a touch of luck can make all the difference.
