Die Nationelf defeated Spain 1-0 on Friday, and Ann-Katrin Berger’s last-second penalty save secured Germany’s Olympic bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Germany took the lead thanks to a penalty kick from Giulia Gwinn, but Berger stopped Alexia Putellas from extending the game into extra time.
Spain had the better opportunities in the first half, hitting Berger’s crossbar twice, but they were unable to score a shot on goal. Just before the halftime break, Aitana Bonmati sent a strong long-range shot after a curled free-kick by Teresa Abelleira into the woodwork.
In the end, Germany’s attempts to counterattack were successful as Cata Coll rushed off her line and collided with Gwinn, handing up a penalty.
The winger won the spot-kick and walked up to take it, sending the custodian the wrong way with a slide into the bottom-right corner.
Later, Berger turned out a meek header from close range by Jenni Hermoso, but with seconds left, Janina Minge tripped Lucia Garcia in the box, giving Spain one more opportunity.
Berger dived the proper way and got two strong hands on the penalty putellas had given her team a good height to ensure they won.
With two shots and five touches in the box more than any of her teammates, Gwinn was Germany’s greatest offensive danger in the bronze-medal match.
Germany has won four Olympic bronze medals overall, and this is their first since they won three in a row from 2000 to 2008.
In the meantime, Spain continues its terrible history against Germany; they have never defeated Die Nationelf, and they will need to wait at least four more years to win an Olympic medal in women’s football.
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