Germany clinch bronze at Paris 2024 Olympics with narrow win over Spain
- Germany claimed the bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics
- They narrowly beat world champions Spain 1-0 at the Groupama Stadium
- A penalty from Germany’s Giulia Gwinn proved to be the difference
Germany beat Spain 1-0 to clinch bronze at the Paris 2024 Olympics on Friday afternoon.
It was a battle between two of Europe’s titans at the Groupama Stadium in Lyon for third place in the women’s football tournament. Both were disappointed not to make Saturday’s final in the French capital, not least because Spain are the current world champions after winning the World Cup last year.
Germany finished second in their group behind the USA, while Spain comfortably topped theirs ahead of Japan, Brazil and Nigeria. However, the knockout stages of the competition were far less straightforward.
Spain were beaten in a shock 4-2 result against Brazil in the semi-finals earlier this week, while Germany were edged 1-0 by Emma Hayes’ USA team in extra-time on Tuesday. A medal was still up for grabs, though, in a consolation for the winning team.
Like most of the games at this summer’s Olympics, it was a cagey and closely contested affair. Spain dominated possession, but it was Germany who had the better chances on the day.
The World Cup winners came close to opening the scoring at the end of the first half as Aitana Bonmati watched on as her effort struck the crossbar. Jenni Hermoso was then unable to score from the follow-up as her attempt deflected over.
It took until the 65th minute, but Germany eventually opened the scoring. Giulia Gwinn drew a foul from Cata Coll in the penalty area, and she then stepped up to convert from the spot to give Germany a much-needed lead.
Coll went some way to making amends for her error shortly after. Alexandra Popp looked to set up Lea Schuller for Germany’s second, but the Spain goalkeeper was there to make a decent stop.
Deep into seven minutes of added time, Germany thought the job was done. But, with seconds left on the clock, substitute Lucia Garcia drew a foul from Janina Minge in the box, and the referee pointed to the spot to hand Spain a lifeline.
Ann-Katrin Berger has been the hero for Germany throughout this tournament, not least when she saved two penalties in a shoot-out against Canada in the quarter-finals. The goalkeeper stepped up once again on Friday as she thwarted the spot kick from Alexia Putellas to secure the bronze medal for Germany.
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