An emotional Ann-Katrin Berger took the blame for Germany’s semi-final exit to Spain at Euro 2025, saying she ought to have closed the area to disclaim Aitana Bonmati.
Germany had put in a robust defensive efficiency as they compelled the world champions to further time at 0-0, however Bonmati netted a 113th-minute winner to ship Spain into the ultimate.
The 2-time Ballon d’Or Feminin winner beautifully turned her marker earlier than squeezing a low shot previous Berger at her close to publish from close to the fitting byline.
Berger has made extra saves than every other goalkeeper on the Euros this yr (23), whereas she had saved every of her final 15 photographs on the right track confronted up till Bonmati’s successful objective.
She was additionally pivotal for 10-player Germany of their quarter-final in opposition to France, making a surprising clawed save earlier than saving two penalties within the shoot-out to ship them into the final 4.
However even after one other spectacular private efficiency between the sticks on Wednesday, she was disheartened by the end result.
“I take the blame on myself. The close to nook should have been closed, completely,” a tearful Berger instructed ARD.
“I could make as many saves as I need, however that ought to have been mine. I’m extremely sorry for the group.
“We’re actually upset. A small mistake, one second of not paying consideration, and that’s all of the extra bitter. It’s simply disappointing.”
As for Spain, they’ll face England in a second consecutive main last, having crushed the Lionesses within the 2023 World Cup last.
Spain sealed their place in what will probably be their first-ever Euros last, with 2025 being simply the second showpiece within the final 9 editions to see a first-time finalist (additionally in 2017, with each Denmark and the Netherlands doing so).
It was additionally their first win over Germany in 9 makes an attempt (D3 L5 beforehand), and Wednesday’s triumph noticed them finish a run of 4 aggressive video games with out a objective in opposition to them.
La Roja are actually trying so as to add the Euros title to their assortment, having received the World Cup and Nations League within the final two years, and Mariona Caldentey is assured they’ll carry the trophy.
“It’s one thing we’ve by no means received,” Caldentey instructed BBC Sport. “It’s one thing we’re lacking, and we actually need it as a group.
“That was our focus from the primary day. We’re actually shut, it’s only one step extra, one sport extra, and we’re prepared for that.
“Will probably be a tough sport. It’s a last, so they’re harmful despite the fact that they’ll’t perhaps play the best soccer but, however they’ve it inside them. Will probably be a tough however good sport.
“With this group, you’re feeling all the things is feasible. We now have a extremely robust group. We’re simply prepared, and we’ve the ambition to win. I believe that is the yr. Why not? We respect England, however we are going to go for it.”
