The Spanish women’s team wants its first final in one euro. For this, world champions have to defeat euphoric Germans lately.
KEYSTONE
So far, Germany has been an insurmountable opponent for the Spanish. The two teams clashed eight times, the German selection has won five victories for three draws. The last meeting took place a year ago as part of the Paris Olympics. The Germans won 1-0 in the bronze match.
The Spaniards did not dwell too much on the statistics before the semi-final on Wednesday evening in Zurich. Rather, they displayed their confidence in their ability to create. “There is always the first time. Our goal is to reach the final, “said Spanish captain Alexia Potellas, a double golden ball like her team Aitana Bonmati.
Asked about the means that the Spanish intends to implement to assume their role as favorites, Alexia Putellas has not hesitated: “We aim for victory with the same qualities as those which we have shown so far.” In their first four games, the Iberians convinced, especially in attack. After three net victories in the group phase against Portugal (5-0), Belgium (6-2) and Italy (3-1), they ended the “summer fairy” of the Swiss in the quarterfinals with a 2-0 victory.
Motivated German
For their part, the Germans believe in their chances of staying in the race for a ninth title in total. They draw an additional motivation from their quarter -final against France, which they won thanks to their qualities of hinges despite their numerical inferiority after the early expulsion of Kathrin Hendrich. “Each of us became aware of what it was capable of. I think we can get a lot of positive from this match, “said attacker Klara Bühl.
The team of coach Christian Wück wants to challenge the bad luck that accompanied him throughout this euro by qualifying again for the final. Captain Giulia Gwinn has been absent since the opening match against Poland due to a left knee injury, while Sarai Linder had to package due to problems in the left ankle. To this are added the absences of Kathrin Hendrich, suspended, just like Giulia Gwinn and Sarai Linder, defenders, and Sjoeke Nüsken, playful.
Christian Wück demonstrates optimism, however. “I promise that we will also give a hard time to the Spanish,” he concludes.
