After their great success during the World Cup 2023, the Spanish national team has now also won the Women’s Nations League. The match against France was an amazing display of their talents and strength. Very excited to see what they can do at the Olympics. Germany secured that last UEFA ticket for the Paris Olympics 2024, leaving the Dutch on the fourth place of the UWNL. That might mean the Netherlands gets some rest, but the FIFA is planning some qualification matches during the summer for the Euro 2025.
Spain v France
The night started with the Women’s Nations League final between Spain and France. Two very talented teams on the pitch with players such as Aitana Bonmatí, Le Sommer and Ona Batlle. It was a joy to watch Spain unpack France’s tactics. It took them little over 30 minutes to score the first goal. Aitana Bonmatí drilled it into the net after Carmona’s cross reached her.
France held back the whole match, waiting and countering when possible. With no shots on target they didn’t really come close to the equalizer. After half-time Spain picked up where it left off and scored the 2-0 in the 53th minute. This time it was Caldentey with the goal. Overall amazing final and great performance by Spain.
The Netherlands v Germany
The Netherlands got played of the field by Spain in the semi-finals. Now they faced Germany in a battle for the third place and a final ticket to the Olympics. Right from the start Germany was more dominant. Their passes were better, they build up from the back and had a sort of calmness in the team. The Dutch were the opposite. Chasing the ball, no structure and everything just wasn’t good enough.
After the first half it was 0-0, a chance for the coaches to talk to their players and make a difference. The German coach, Horst Hrubesch, certainly did. You could hear him yell that his team had to pass forward. In the 66th minute it finally paid off. Everyone in the stadium could feel the goal coming, it was Klara Bühl with the clear shot. Daphne van Domselaar saved her team multiple times, but this wasn’t stoppable.
The Netherlands immediately tried to create danger and score the equalizer. They came close, with Beerensteyn being a brilliant forward. The link up with young talent Wieke Kaptein was amazing to watch. Unfortunately the goal wasn’t meant to be. The Oranje Leeuwinnen only had 2 shots on target. Germany finished it off in the 78th minute with the 0-2 from Lea Schüller.
Germany deserved the win, and after a dramatic World Cup 2023 they are looking for revenge. It will most likely be Popp’s last Olympics so the captain was extra happy with the ticket. The Paris 2024 Olympics start on Friday the 26th of juli. There are only 12 teams so there will not be a round of 16 after the group stage.
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