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 house to disclaim Aitana Bonmati.
Germany had put in a robust defensive efficiency as they pressured the world champions to additional 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 fantastically turned her marker earlier than squeezing a low shot previous Berger at her close to publish from close to the precise byline.
Berger has made extra saves than every other goalkeeper on the Euros this 12 months (23), whereas she had saved every of her final 15 pictures on course 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 will need to have been closed, completely,” a tearful Berger informed ARD.
“I could make as many saves as I need, however that ought to have been mine. I’m extremely sorry for the crew.
“We’re actually dissatisfied. 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 are going to face England in a second consecutive main remaining, having crushed the Lionesses within the 2023 World Cup remaining.
Spain sealed their place in what will likely be their first-ever Euros remaining, 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 at the moment are wanting so as to add the Euros title to their assortment, having gained 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 now have by no means gained,” Caldentey informed BBC Sport. “It’s one thing we’re lacking, and we actually need it as a crew.
“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.
“It is going to be a tough sport. It’s a remaining, so they’re harmful regardless that they’ll’t perhaps play the best soccer but, however they’ve it inside them. It is going to be a tough however good sport.
“With this crew, you’re feeling all the things is feasible. We’ve got a extremely sturdy crew. We’re simply prepared, and we now have the ambition to win. I feel that is the 12 months. Why not? We respect England, however we are going to go for it.”