Spain's Aitana Bonmati scored a stunning extra-time goal to give her side a 1-0 win over Germany on Wednesday and send them to the European Women's Championship final for the first time.
The victory paved the way for a decisive match against defending champions England in Basel on Sunday – a repeat of the 2023 World Cup final in which Spain became world champions for the first time.
In the 113th minute, Bonmati finally decided the outcome of the match, picking up the ball on the left flank and noticing a free pass left by Germany goalkeeper Ann-Kathrin Berger at the near post, and then firing a shot into the net from an acute angle.
Photo: Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images
Spain captain Irene Paredes hit the crossbar with a header in the first half while her team controlled the ball, and the Germans formed a solid block and forced the Spanish to attack while they tried to counter-attack.
Germany striker Clara Bühl put in an impressive performance, breaking behind the Spanish defence in the 63rd minute but shooting straight into the hands of goalkeeper Katu Koll.
Despite some excellent German defence, the Spanish struggled to overcome it and almost lost in extra time when Buel's shot deflected in and Coll had to save, but the match ended goalless and extra time was called.
The Germans, who entered the game with nine wins in their previous 10 Euro semi-finals, were hoping to take the match to penalties but Bonmati had other plans.
For Bonmati, who had suffered from meningitis the day before the tournament, the goal was sweet as Spain beat Germany for the first time in a major tournament final.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
