Ann-Katrin Berger emerged as the hero when she saved a last-minute penalty, securing Germany a 1-0 victory over Spain’s women’s national team and winning bronze medals at this year’s Olympic Games in Paris. The dramatic conclusion came when Berger dove to stop Alexia Putellas’ penalty attempt in the 9th minute of stoppage time, afterward raising her hands in triumph. Putellas, a two-time Ballon d’Or winner, was seen crying as the match ended.
The victory was clinched in the second half when Giulia Gwinn confidently converted a penalty in the 64th minute, after a goalless first half. This victory marks Germany’s fourth bronze medal in women’s football at the Olympics, following their gold medal win at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, although they did not qualify for the Tokyo 2021 Olympics.
Spain, which is currently ranked number one in the world following their World Cup victory, participated in the Olympics for the first time. Aitana Bonmati, who was named the FIFA World Player of the Year, had the best chance in the first half, but her shot hit the crossbar, and Jennie Hermoso’s follow-up attempt was blocked by a German defender.
Alexandra Popp, one of the most experienced players on the German team, started the match after missing the semifinal due to illness. She was the only active player from the team that won the gold medal in 2016. Lea Schuller, also returning from injury and coming on as a substitute in the second half, came close to scoring in the 71st minute, but Spain’s Cata Coll made the save.
Putellas, who has previously been named FIFA’s Best Female Player, returned from a knee ligament injury that required surgery just in time for Spain’s World Cup campaign last summer. After struggling in the knockout stage of the World Cup, Spain aimed to become the first team ever to win an Olympic gold medal after securing a World Cup title.
Germany lost to the USA in the semifinals, where Sophia Smith scored the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory. In Paris, Germany has had a tumultuous journey under the temporary management of Horst Hrubesch, who took over after Martina Voss-Tecklenburg was dismissed following a disappointing World Cup performance.
The incoming coach, Christian Wuck, will take over for Germany as they prepare for the 2027 World Cup, while Spain, under the leadership of Montse Tome, a former national team player, has been working to unite the team after a turbulent World Cup cycle.
The Olympic tournament continues with several exciting events, including boxing matches and relays, as attention shifts towards more medal ceremonies and finals.