'Tournament team' Germany believe they can shock Spain

BBC News

4 days ago

"We call it German mentality."That is how Germany's gritty quarter-final triumph against France was summed up on social media.They played for more than 100 minutes with 10 players after Kathrin Hendrich was sent off and conceded a penalty for pulling Griege Mbock by her hair in the box.But Christian Wuck's side remained resolute as they held off France to force extra time and then penalties.They reached Wednesday's semi-final against Spain when goalkeeper Ann Katrin-Berger capped a heroic performance by saving Alice Sombath's spot-kick.One German newspaper called it "the miracle of Basel", referencing the 1954 men's World Cup final when West Germany fought back from two goals down to upset heavy favourites Hungary - who were unbeaten in five years - in Bern.Germany defender Rebecca Knaak said the performance was the "perfect example for passion and mental strength".Sophie Affeldt, a reporter for German television channel Sport1, added: "The team showed the typical German mentality that has perhaps been somewhat lost in recent years."But what is German mentality and how did their monumental display against France change perceptions about their title hopes?
'So many unusual situations'
Before the tournament started, Wuck said: "I am convinced we will have a good competition but it also depends on luck and staying injury-free."Germany have had neither a lucky or injury-free time in Switzerland.Just 40 minutes into their opening game against Poland, their captain Giulia Gwinn left the field in tears after suffering a serious knee injury that has ruled her out for the rest of the tournament.Against Sweden, Gwinn's right-back replacement Carlotta Wamser was sent off in the 31st minute, receiving a straight red for a goalline block with her hands.Germany went on to lose 4-1, with Sweden topping Group C ahead of them."In the group stage of the tournament the mental strength of the German team was often called into question, especially after the defeat against Sweden," said Charlotte Bruch, a reporter for German newspaper Tagesspiegel.With Gwinn out and Wamser suspended for their game against France, Sarai Linder was moved from her normal left-back role to play on the right - but that too was short-lived as she was hauled off after just 20 minutes with an ankle injury."It says a lot about the team that we accepted every situation as they came along," Knaak said."There were so many different and unusual situations and we adapted, we accepted those situations and we supported each other."
Has 'epic game' changed perceptions?
Under the new leadership of Wuck - who took charge in October - and a new-look youthful squad, Germany arrived at Euro 2025 with modest expectations.Statistics experts Opta said they, along with France, had a 15% chance of winning the title, with Spain and England listed as the favourites."Germany weren't seen as a title favourite due to the fact the team is in a state of upheaval," Affeldt added."After the disappointing result at the World Cup in 2023, leading players such as Alexander Popp have retired from the national team and there are also some new faces now like Franziska Kett, Rebecca Knaak or Giovanna Hoffmann."Bruch explained there were also concerns over Germany's defence and an apparent over-reliance on flair players like Jule Brand and Klara Buhl. Affeldt said fans had "lost faith" after Germany's defeat against Sweden, with many thinking it confirmed their pre-tournament doubts."But it has now been rekindled," she said. "Now many people think that winning the title might be possible after all, even if there are teams with even better players."Bruch agrees there is more belief among Germany fans, adding: "The belief in winning the title has grown significantly due to the way Germany performed, with this sheer willpower and great fighting spirit."It showed that Christian Wuck's team has developed a certain resilience, never gives up and is capable of turning a game around."
'Germany are always Germany'
Of course, Germany are not strangers to major tournament success.The women's team are eight-time winners of the European Championship and have their name etched on two World Cup trophies.The men's team have enjoyed similar glory, triumphing at four World Cups and three Euros."In Germany we always say the German team is a 'tournament team' - they tend to play themselves into a flow and get better and better, especially when it counts," Affeldt said.Bruch added: "I think many players in Germany grow up with a certain 'winning mentality'. The success of the national teams - both men's and women's - shapes their self-image."However, the country has not won a major tournament in either men's or women's football in more than 11 years.Yet Spain head coach Montse Tome is under no allusions about Germany's mentality."Germany are always Germany," she said. "Eight European trophies and their essence is the same regardless of who is leading the team."