Germany held its nerve against Spain in Kaiserslautern on Friday, forcing the Nations League final into a cliffhanger with Tuesday's second leg in Madrid still to come. The home side dominated possession and shots, but goalkeeper Cata Coll was instrumental in denying Germany the breakthrough, making several crucial saves throughout the 90 minutes.
Despite the Germans' 19 attempts on goal, none of them were converted into a score, leaving Spain's victory still very much alive. Klara Bühl played a key role for Germany, showcasing her skill and power but ultimately falling just short against Coll.
As the game wore on, the rain began to fall, but it was the Germans who continued to press forward, with Jule Brand coming close in the 76th minute when his shot skimmed off the top of the bar. The game ended scoreless, leaving the tie delicately balanced and setting up an intriguing second leg.
For Germany's players, though, there is optimism ahead of Tuesday's match. "Everyone who saw today's match knows that we didn't just keep up but played really well," said defender Janina Minge. "If we can convert our chances and keep defending as we did, we can get the win."
Spain has a rich history in major tournaments, having reached finals in four of the last five major competitions. The team will be determined to capitalize on its narrow escape in Kaiserslautern and bring home the title.
Despite the Germans' 19 attempts on goal, none of them were converted into a score, leaving Spain's victory still very much alive. Klara Bühl played a key role for Germany, showcasing her skill and power but ultimately falling just short against Coll.
As the game wore on, the rain began to fall, but it was the Germans who continued to press forward, with Jule Brand coming close in the 76th minute when his shot skimmed off the top of the bar. The game ended scoreless, leaving the tie delicately balanced and setting up an intriguing second leg.
For Germany's players, though, there is optimism ahead of Tuesday's match. "Everyone who saw today's match knows that we didn't just keep up but played really well," said defender Janina Minge. "If we can convert our chances and keep defending as we did, we can get the win."
Spain has a rich history in major tournaments, having reached finals in four of the last five major competitions. The team will be determined to capitalize on its narrow escape in Kaiserslautern and bring home the title.
Cata Coll is a godess, no way anyone scores against her 
i'm low-key rooting for Germany now, they played way better than I thought. and btw, Spain's history in major tournaments is kinda overrated - they've had their share of luck and good teams have been the ones to crush them 
They need to capitalize on those chances in Madrid or it'll be a tough road ahead.
That rain didn't seem to faze them! Can't wait to see what happens next 
i was watching from my bedroom window and it was like a mini storm 
i love when the rain makes everything feel cozy tho 
but spanish goalkeeper cata coll is literally a superhero 
making all those saves
they still have to play the second leg and germany is gonna come at them with even more energy 
i hope janina minge's prediction comes true tho 
, the team played so well, they should be proud of themselves. And Spain, oh boy, they're gonna come back strong 
. The second leg in Madrid is gonna be EPIC 
. This is going to be EPIC 
. And can we talk about Jule Brand's shot? 
️
They had 19 chances to score, but Spain's Coll was like a wall 
, blocking everything that came her way. Klara Bühl's skills are insane, but even she couldn't find the back of the net.