But Christian Vuk’s team’s presence in the final and performance in both legs was enough to suggest that a major tournament win is not beyond the current generation.
“We can be very, very proud,” Vuk said after two second-half goals from Claudia Pina, a goal either side from Vicky Lopez were enough for Spain.
“It was there in the first half too but we couldn’t sustain that level of play. We have to be honest about that.”
Wasteful expenditure again proved costly
Germany’s best chance fell just before half-time, but in a one-on-one with the keeper, Nicole Anoomi pulled her shot wide. It was a familiar story for the 2016 Olympic champions, who failed to take advantage of several opportunities in the first leg in Kaiserslautern on Friday.
“He has to go in, and in the second half he had another one in the box,” Vuk said of Anyomi’s chance.
“That’s the difference between us and the technically gifted Spanish players.”
Spain’s cohesive style at club and national level is the blueprint for Wouk, who has gradually rebuilt Germany after a group stage exit at the 2023 World Cup. Veterans like Alex Popp and Svenja Huth are gone, and new leaders like Clara Buhl, Giulia Gwynn and Sjoke Nusken are beginning to assert their authority.
“You saw in the two games that we could keep up with Spain. We can take a lot of positives from the first game. But today the Spanish were more efficient in breaking the deadlock,” Nusken, who plays club football for Chelsea, told German broadcaster ARD after the game.
“If we had taken advantage of our chances (in the first game) the situation could have been different.”
beaten but not bowed down
It wasn’t enough against Spain, that’s no disgrace. “It’s extremely painful, but I think we can be very proud,” Buhl said, echoing his coach’s words.
Wins against the Netherlands and France in this competition will undoubtedly boost the morale of the relatively inexperienced German team, who will now look to the World Cup in Brazil in 2027. Also a potential domestic Euro 2029, European football governors UEFA are set to announce the tournament’s host on Wednesday. Germany is the favorite over Poland and Denmark and Sweden have a joint bid.
A crowd of 40,000 for the first leg in Germany doesn’t hurt the bid. An even bigger crowd gathered at Madrid’s Metropolitano on Tuesday, including Spain’s king, further evidence of the continued growth of the women’s game, at least at the international level.
Hermoso back in the fold of Spain
Among those enjoying it was Jenni Hermoso, who was recalled to the Spain squad for the Nations League semi-final by new coach Sonia Bermudez and replaced with 10 minutes remaining. Hermoso was forcibly kissed on the lips by then Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales after the 2023 World Cup victory, sparking a worldwide outrage and ultimately leading to a FIFA ban and Rubiales’ conviction of sexual assault.
“My happy face says everything, to come back, to win in my city, with my people, with the whole family, we put on a show, it’s great,” Hermoso told Spanish broadcaster TVE.
“Today I am very proud to wear this shirt, to win titles and still enjoy football.”
After a shock 2023 and a Euro where they struggled hard without inspiration, it appears that Germany are starting to enjoy their football again, even if this team still lacks the cutting edge provided by Pop. The World Cup qualifying group featuring Slovenia, Norway and Austria awaits next year.
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