2024 Olympics: Germany secure bronze medal over world champions Spain | OneFootball

In a nervy 2024 Olympic bronze medal match, Germany secured third place over World Cup winners Spain.

The Germans took the lead through a Giulia Gwinn penalty in the second half. Spain had a late opportunity to equalise, however Alexia Putellas’ effort was saved by Ann-Katrin Berger in the final piece of action in the match.

Starting XIs

Spain

Coll; Batlle, Aleixandri, Codina (García 85′), Hernández (Carmona 72′), Abelleira (Guijarro 85′), Paralluelo, Putellas (c), Bonmatí, del Castillo (Caldentey 72′), Hermoso

Germany

Berger; Rauch, Hegering, Hendrich, Linder, Bühl (Schüller 46′), Minge, Nüsken, Gwinn (Doorsoun 96′), Brand, Popp (c)

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How it went

Spain dominated the early possession, offering their opponents few chances to test their backline. Neither side looked particularly sharp throughout the opening half, with the toll of the heavy Olympic schedule showing. With just a handful of chances, the two sides went in goalless at the break with all to play for in the second half.

Spain got off to a better start after the break, enjoying several early chances. The strain of playing six games in 15 days became increasingly apparent as the half drew on with several players requiring treatment.

With just under half an hour remaining, Cata Coll brought down Gwinn in the area, leading to Germany being awarded a spot kick. Gwinn stepped up to take the penalty, slotting the ball into the bottom corner.

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Just as it seemed Germany would take the bronze medal, the referee awarded Spain a penalty following a challenge in the area. Barcelona’s Putellas stepped up to take the spot kick in the final minute of injury time. However, Berger was equal to the danger, getting a strong hand to the ball to ensure Germany would come away with the bronze.

Gold medal match

Brazil will take on Emma Hayes’ USA side in Saturday’s gold medal match. The South Americans reached the final, beating world champions Spain 4-2 in the semi-finals. The USA beat Germany by just a single goal, with Sophia Smith’s late winner sending her side into the final.

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