Women's Euro: Spain aims to end winless run against Germany in the semi-final
by Thobelani Moyo | by Thobelani Moyo
Germany: A force in UEFA Women's Euro
Germany has not been widely recognized in the UEFA Women's Euro. The attention is centered around Spain or the defending champions, England. However, Christian Wuck's charges have now emerged as contenders to lift the prestigious trophy.
The DFB Women's Team has reached a significant milestone in this competition and is the most decorated nation with an imposing eight titles to their name. How can one forget their run between 1995 and 2013 when they won six consecutive titles, a record that remains intact, and no nation has come near to breaking that record?
This is a nation that could make life difficult for Spain in the semi-final. It has to be pointed out that they have a pretty good record against this nation in past meetings. So far, they have not tasted defeat against Spain in eight meetings, winning five times and drawing three. Can they maintain this unbeaten run when they meet Spain this Wednesday? For more insights on this match, head on to our Germany vs Spain prediction.
Germany's path to the semifinal
Germany started the tournament in fashionable style, securing two consecutive wins in the group stages. Their first victim was Poland, securing a 2-0 win at AFG Arena, and then came Denmark on the second match day, winning 2-1.
On the last day of the group stages, they were a bit unfortunate, as their winning streak came to an end at the hands of Sweden. Following Carlotta Wamser's dismissal in the 31st minute, they were in complete disarray and lost 4-1.
Despite the outcome, they were able to finish as runners-up in Group C, three points behind table-toppers Sweden. In the quarter-finals, they were faced with a tough assignment as they had to face France. It was a terrific performance from the eight-time champions and a resilient one at that, who were at a numerical disadvantage after Kathrin Hendrich's sending off in the opening 13 minutes. They won 6-5 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regular time.
Spain has finally ended the drought in the UEFA Women's Euro
Spain is on a mission to become the most dominant nation in international women's football. Having emerged victorious in the 2023 World Cup, Montserrat Tome's charges are aiming to add the UEFA Women's Euro to their trophy cabinet.
This is their fourth appearance in this competition, following their debut in 1997, when they were eliminated in the semifinals.
In the following three editions, they failed to replicate the feat of reaching the semi-final as they were eliminated in the quarter-finals. This means their appearance in this year's final four is their first in 28 years. Emerging victorious here could see them progress to the final for the first time in their history. However, they need to overcome a resilient German side that has been a thorn in their side.
Spain's path to the semi-final
Spain was a dominant team in Group B of the UEFA Women's Euro. They concluded the group stages with a 100% record and also finished with the best offensive record in the tournament, scoring a whopping 14 goals.
In the opening match, they beat Portugal 5-0 and went on to dismantle the threat of Belgium in a 6-2 thrashing. On the final match day, they beat Italy 3-1 to progress to the knockout stages.
Their opponents in the quarter-final were host nation Switzerland. Second-half goals from Athenea del Castillo and Claudia Pina were enough to set the team up for a comfortable 2-0 victory.
Key players to watch
Esther Gonzalez, with a passing accuracy of 89.75%, has featured in every game for Spain. She is the team's focal point of attack, with four goals scored in the UEFA Women's Euro, also making her the top scorer in the tournament. The forward is averaging 4.25 attempts at goal per game and could prove to be a threat once again.
Alexia Putellas is also a name that needs to be carefully monitored. The 31-year-old midfielder has been shining in the 2025 UEFA Women's Euro. She has been directly involved in seven goal involvements, scoring three goals and dishing out four assists.
