The stage was set in Lyon as world number ones Spain faced off against Germany in a highly anticipated Olympic bronze medal match.
Germany, with a rich history in the competition, aimed to add another Olympic medal to their trophy cabinet, while Spain was eager to clinch their first.
In a boost for Germany, both Alex Popp and Lea Schüller returned to the matchday squad, with Popp reclaiming her spot in the starting lineup and Schüller poised to make an impact from the bench.
Germany started the match with intensity, demonstrating their determination to dominate. However, their momentum was briefly halted when Brand went down with an ankle injury. Schüller began warming up, but Brand was able to continue, allowing the match to resume its end-to-end tempo as both teams sought to make their mark in front of goal.
Spain had the first significant chance to break the deadlock when Del Castillo drove down the right flank and unleashed a shot, only to see it go wide, with German midfielder Nüsken intercepting to prevent further danger.
Germany continued to threaten, with Buhl’s footwork creating opportunities in Spain’s box. Despite her efforts, Spain’s well-organized defense managed to clear both her shot and a rebound attempt by Brand. Another attack saw Nüsken and Buhl combine, with Buhl cutting inside and aiming a shot directly at Spanish keeper Cata Coll, who saved comfortably.
As the first half progressed, Spain began to assert themselves, capitalizing on Germany’s struggles to maintain possession. Paralluelo had a chance to score, but experienced German goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger was quick to collect the ball. Paralluelo then linked up with Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí, who delivered a well-placed ball into the box, but Paralluelo couldn’t convert as the ball became tangled under her feet, allowing German defender Hegering to clear.
Spain’s best chance of the half came when Bonmatí struck a powerful shot towards goal, only to be denied by the woodwork. Hermoso attempted to capitalize on the rebound, but her effort was deflected over the bar.
The second half began with Germany on the front foot, as Brand and Minge pressed at the edge of the box. Brand created space and took a shot, but Coll was alert to the danger and collected the ball. The game continued in a smooth, end-to-end rhythm, with both teams searching for a breakthrough.
That breakthrough came in the 62nd minute when Bayern Munich midfielder Giulia Gwinn chased a high ball into the 18-yard box and was brought down by Coll. The referee awarded a penalty, and Gwinn made no mistake, firing the ball into the bottom right corner to give Germany the lead.
Germany grew in confidence after taking the lead, and Schüller, who had come off the bench, had a golden opportunity to seal the victory in a one-on-one situation with Coll. However, the Spanish keeper pulled off a spectacular save, reigniting Spain’s hopes.
As time ticked away, Germany’s defense held firm, working like a well-oiled machine to thwart Spain’s attempts at an equalizer. But late drama in Lyon saw García go down in the box, and Spain was awarded a penalty with just seconds left on the clock. This was Spain’s last chance to potentially force extra time and keep their bronze medal hopes alive. Captain Alexia Putellas stepped up, but Berger produced a moment of brilliance, saving the penalty and securing Germany’s fourth Olympic bronze medal. Spain, despite their efforts, went home empty-handed.
The world champions failed to win silverware in Paris, while Germany rediscovered their form and looked forward to building on this success in the future.
Starting XI
Germany: Berger, Rauch, Hegering, Hendrich, Linder, Buhl (Schuller), Minge, Nusken, Gwinn (Doorsoun), Brand, Popp (C)
Spain: Coll, Battle, Aleixandri, Codina (Garcia), Hernandez (Carmona), Abelleira (Guijarro), Paralluelo, Putellas (C), Bonmati, Del Castillo (Caldentey), Hermoso
Featured image courtesy of Steffen Prößdorf via Wikimedia Commons. No changes were made to this image. License details found here.
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