We have stirred up emotions, says Germany coach before Euro semi

Germany coach Christian Wück is happy his side have made waves back home following their quarter-final miracle at Euro 2025 and hopes the support propels them to victory in Wednesday's semi-final against Spain.

The Germans played almost 120 minutes including stoppage time with 10 players against France on Saturday following Kathrin Hendrich's early red card, but drew 1-1 and prevailed on penalties.

The battling performance in Basel has drawn plaudits in Germany and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will attend Wednesday's semi in Zurich against the world champions rather than just pencilling in the final.

Wück led the German men's under-17 team to World Cup glory in 2023 and has a similar feeling this time.

"Back then, in the semi-finals, we also received a lot of support from Germany that we had not expected. It is the same now," he told a news conference on Tuesday.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz confirmed he would attend the final if Germany get through.

"I wish you every success, and if all goes well, we will see each other on Sunday evening in Basel at the stadium for the final. I am really looking forward to it. Good luck," he said on Instagram.

Germany men's football icons Oliver Kahn and Lothar Matthäus have also been among those to have praised the women's team for their fight against France - having lost 4-1 to Sweden in the last group game, also in Zurich.

Wück said: "We are incredibly pleased that these football greats are reaching out to us and acknowledging us."

He added that the attention showed "that we are on the right track and that, with this quarter-final match, we have stirred up a lot of emotions — not just among ourselves, but also in Germany."

For all the euphoria, the coach knows how tough it will be against the form team of the tournament.

"I think we will be doing a lot of chasing. We will have to suffer a lot because we won’t have the ball," said the 52-year-old.

"Everyone knows the Spanish women and the Spanish men. There is no difference at all. They play exactly the same football, this short passing game."

The Spanish team had one more day of rest after their quarter-final, with Germans going the full distance against the French.

But defender Rebecca Knaak said: "Our batteries are recharged. We spent some time in the ice bath and a lot of time with the physios. We are more than ready for the game."

Another Germany reshuffle is needed following Hendrich's red card, with Sjoeke Nüsken also suspended due to too many bookings.

Following the early tournament exit of captain Giulia Gwinn, full back Sarai Linder is also injured. However, Gwinn's original right-back deputy, Carlotta Wamser, will return after serving her red card suspension against France.