Germany vs Spain: Women’s Euro preview, team news & predicted lineups

Germany and Spain will lock horns to make it into Sunday’s Euro final. Die Nationalelf are eight-time European champions, while Spain’s win over hosts Switzerland was actually their first-ever knockout stage victory. Germany are also unbeaten in their last eight games against Spain, winning five of them including last year’s Bronze medal match in the Olympics.

However, Spain are the overwhelming favorites for this game. The current world champions proved that they’re level ahead of the rest in this competition. They’re the only side to win all four games in this Euros, scoring four goals per game in the process.

Center-back Rebecca Knaak called Spain “the best team” in an interview with UEFA ahead of the fixture. The expectation was big for La Roja since the start of the Euros, and they lived up to it even if Switzerland kept them at bay for an hour in the quarter-final.

Meanwhile, Germany nearly played three hours of football with ten players in the last ten days. After Carlotta Wamser’s red card for a handball on the goal line against Sweden, Kathrin Hendrich did far worse which made Germany’s hopes of reaching the semi-final a lot more difficult.

In the end, Ann-Katrin Berger’s heroics saved Germany as they knocked out France on penalties. The 34-year-old goalkeeper made the best save of the tournament before scoring and saving two penalties in the shootout win.

Germany lost the final in the last edition of the Euros where they lost 2-1 to hosts England after extra-time. This is a maiden semi-final appearance for Spain in European championships following three straight quarter-final defeats.

England will play Italy in the other semis on Tuesday. Sarina Wiegman’s side started their title defense in the worst possible way, but they grew in confidence and showed determination to reach this stage for the third time in a row. They're the clear favorites against Italy, who are playing their first Euros semi-final in the 21st century.

Team News

Giovanna Hoffmann gets a surprise first start in the game against France, but she ends the night by getting a standing ovation from Germany’s fans when subbed off in the extra-time. However, Lea Schuller’s experience could still be a difference maker at this stage.

Meanwhile, Germany will play without their two starting fullbacks due to injuries. The captain Giulia Gwinn is still with the team in Switzerland, but her tournament ended after a serious knee injury in the opening fixture. The left-back Sarai Linder is also out of the semis after an early substitution in the quarter-final.

With Hendrich the third defender out of the game, Wück could revert back to 4-2-3-1 by ditching the three at the back formation used against France. Sjoeke Nusken, who scored Germany’s last penalty in Saturday’s shootout, will also be out for accumulated yellow cards. On a positive note, the right-back Wamser will be back after suspension.

Apart from Maria Mendez in place of the suspended Laia Aleixandri, no changes will be expected on Spain’s side, even though Athenea del Castillo scored the all-important first goal in the quarter-final off the bench. Salma Paralluelo, who finished third in the last two Ballon d’Or events, not making it into Spain’s starting XI shows the level of the World Cup winners.

Speaking of which, Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmatí – winners of the last four big individual accolades – are still performing at the top level. Clàudia Pina could also be a serious candidate for this year’s prize after continuing her stunning season with a big role in the Euros. We shouldn’t forget about Esther González, too, as she leads the scoring chart.

Germany v Spain: Predicted lineups

Germany: Berger; Kleinherne, Knaak, Minge ©, Wamser; Freigang, Senß; Bühl, Dallmann, Brand; Hoffmann

Spain: Coll; Carmona, Mendez, Paredes ©, Batlle; Putellas, Guijarro, Bonmati; Pina, Esther González, Caldentey