The DFB women’s luggage will be a little heavier on the journey home: The German women’s national team won bronze at the Olympic Games in Paris. In a nerve-wracking match, Horst Hrubesch’s team defeated the reigning world champions from Spain 1-0.
In his last game as national coach of the DFB women, Horst Hrubesch experimented again and sent a different starting eleven into the match compared to the semi-final against the USA: Alexandra Popp moved into the squad for Nicole Anyomi, Giulia Gwinn was to be found in the right midfield position, while Sarai Linder stepped in for Gwinn at right back.
In the first five minutes, neither team took any risks and tried to find security. The German women’s national team counter-pressed well and did not allow the world champions to gain their dominant possession of the ball. The DFB selection also played better offensively in the small final: Klara Bühl had the first shot on goal in the 19th minute. But then La Roja found their way into the game better and just a few minutes later Abelleira caused a brief moment of shock when she hit the crossbar with a free kick (21st).
The German defense in particular had done well up to this point. Marina Hegering and Kathrin Hendrich were on hand to defuse dangerous through passes to the Spaniard Salma Paralluelo. While Germany had the game largely under control, the Iberians, in the person of Hernandez, hit the post with another shot shortly before half-time. The follow-up shot was cleared for a corner (44th minute). So the half-time break was goalless.
After the tea break, Lea Schüller replaced her club colleague Klara Bühl on the pitch. The Spanish women now noticeably stepped up a gear, but it was Janina Minge who fired the first shot of the second half in the 55th minute – but it rolled just past the post. Chaos reigned in the German back line: Spain turned up the heat and tried to take control of the game.
In the 63rd minute, Giulia Gwinn tried to pluck a cross out of the air in the opponent’s penalty area and was brought down by the Spanish goalkeeper – the referee promptly pointed to the penalty spot. Gwinn grabbed the ball herself and safely converted it into the bottom right corner – the 1-0 lead for GermanyA short time later, Lea Schüller should have extended the lead, but shot at the Spanish goalkeeper from close range (70′).
The Spanish women now increased the pressure and the game picked up speed. Jennifer Hermoso was completely free in the box to head the ball, but was stopped by a strong Ann-Katrin Berger (75th). The DFB women threw everything into the balance to avoid any more goals. In the last minute of stoppage time, the pulse of all German fans really rose: the referee awarded a penalty to Spain after Janina Minge made contact with Lucia Garcia, but Ann-Katrin Berger was able to save Alexia Putellas’ penalty. Then it was over: The German women’s national team wins the bronze medal at the Olympic Games!
