Women's Euro exit shows once-mighty Germany battling to keep pace
Spain playmaker Aitana Bonmati proved to be the difference, conjuring up a superb winner in extra time.
Though Christian Wueck's young side performed well on the night, they lacked a truly world-class attacking talent to turn a game in their favour at such a high level.
"We have to evolve, we have to improve, we had phases of ball possession today that we simply did not exploit well, and those are areas where we need to improve, especially in the youth system, so that we can develop well-trained players for the Bundesliga," Wueck told reporters.
"Also (we need to) perform better in those phases of ball possession that were not well-executed today, especially at that level. That is part of being a top team, and of course we are still lacking in comparison to Spain and England."
Spain face England in Sunday's final.
Eight-time champions Germany have not won the tournament since 2013 in Stockholm, and in the meantime they have been reined in and passed by as other countries pour money into the development of the women's game.
The 2013 victory was built on the back of the stunning goalkeeping of Nadine Angerer, who saved two penalties in the final against Norway, and the 2025 squad looked to have a similar net-minding talisman in the shape of Ann-Katrin Berger, who pulled off a miraculous save in their quarter-final against France to prevent an own goal.
Berger followed that up with a stellar performance in the penalty shootout win over the French that followed, but on Wednesday she was caught out by Bonmati's lightning shot from a tight angle to her uncovered near post that ended up as the only goal of the game.
Though Berger took the blame for the defeat, it was not solely hers to bear. Germany had plenty of chances, with Klara Buehl superb down the left, but they lacked the killer instinct in front of goal that Bonmati displayed.
All in all, the Germans displayed plenty of promise as they beat Poland, Denmark and the French in Switzerland, with the only blemish a shock 4-1 defeat by Sweden in which they had a player sent off in the first half.
Though some of his choices have been questioned, Wueck says his focus on young players is paying off.
"I recently read that the (German Football Association) DFB is miles behind the top nations, and three days later I read that we are in the semi-finals. So maybe the Germans need to learn a little bit that we do everything together, that we want the best for the German nation," he said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Reuters
2 hours ago
- Reuters
'Sonny in LA' - Son joins LAFC in MLS record deal
LOS ANGELES, Aug 6 (Reuters) - South Korean forward Son Heung-min said he is "here to win" after he joined Los Angeles FC for a record Major League Soccer transfer fee, ending a decade-long stint at Tottenham Hotspur. Son was introduced at LAFC's BMO Stadium on Wednesday, where he was greeted by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and city officials amid chants and drumming from supporters' group 3252. "What can I say, dream come true. LA, what a city," Son told reporters at his unveiling. Financial details of the transfer were not disclosed by either club but the Athletic reported LAFC paid a fee in the region of $26.5 million for the 33-year-old. Son revealed LAFC was not his initial preference, but credited the club's co-president and general manager John Thorrington with persuading him to make the switch. "He just changed my mind, heart, he changed my brain. He showed me the destination where I should be and right now I'm here and I'm so, so excited," said Son, who attended LAFC's 2-1 win over Tigres UANL on Tuesday night. "I'm here to win, I will perform and I will definitely show you some exciting football, and we will definitely have success," he said. The move is expected to resonate with Los Angeles' sizeable Korean community, with LAFC's stadium located just south of Koreatown. Son follows in the footsteps of other international stars who have joined LAFC, including Carlos Vela, Giorgio Chiellini, Olivier Giroud, and former Tottenham teammates Gareth Bale and Hugo Lloris. Son, who joined Tottenham from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015, led the north London club to their first trophy in 17 years with a 1-0 win over Manchester United in the Europa League final in May. The former Spurs captain made 454 appearances for the team and scored 173 goals, winning the Premier League Golden Boot in the 2021-22 season. Reflecting on his departure from Tottenham, Son described the move as 'very emotional.' "I felt like I needed a new chapter, I needed a new challenge and I chose LAFC," he said. "I think you could say I'm old but I still have good physicality, good legs, and still have a good quality. "Obviously I'm here to perform but I also want to give some advice to some young players for improvement. "I can't wait... Let's do it together and win the trophy." It was not immediately clear when Son will make his debut for the Black and Gold, who are currently sixth in the Western Conference and travel to face Chicago Fire on Saturday. LAFC's Thorrington called signing Son an "historic" day for the club. "Sonny is a world class talent, a global icon of football and we're thrilled that he has chosen to write the next chapter of his remarkable career with us here at LAFC," he said. Son, capped 134 times by South Korea, joins LAFC after an emotional farewell to Spurs during a friendly against Newcastle United at Seoul World Cup Stadium. "Sonny has given so much to this club, both on and off the pitch, and for that we are forever grateful," Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy said in a club statement. "We wish him all the best for the future, and he will always be welcome back as a beloved and cherished member of our Spurs family."
Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Wayne Rooney's son Kai bumped up three age levels as he is named in Man United squad for international tournament featuring PSG
Wayne Rooney 's son Kai has taken a major step in his budding football career after earning a shock call-up to Manchester United 's Under-19 squad for the prestigious Mladen Ramljak Tournament in Croatia – despite being just 15 years old. The teenager, who can play either as a No 9 or out wide, has been promoted three age groups following his standout performances at the Super Cup NI in Northern Ireland last week. Kai scored and assisted as United's Under-16s reached the final, losing narrowly to Southampton. Now, barely into his summer holidays, Kai is lining up against players up to four years older than him at one of Europe's top youth tournaments. The Mladen Ramljak Memorial, hosted in Zagreb by Croatian giants Dinamo, has become a magnet for scouts and elite academy sides – with previous editions featuring the likes of Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic and Eduardo Camavinga. United have been drawn into Group A alongside Rapid Bucuresti, Juventus and Dinamo Zagreb – the defending champions. Kai and his young teammates kick off their campaign on Thursday against Rapid. The tournament concludes on Sunday with placement matches and a final between the group winners. Group B comprises Paris Saint-Germain, Benfica, Bologna and Shakhtar Donetsk – all of whom are represented by their top youth squads. The Red Devils' decision to fast-track Kai into the squad is being seen as a vote of confidence in his long-term potential. United are also understood to have included a handful of other younger players from their U15 and U16 ranks. That includes 14-year-old striker JJ Gabriel, the Nike-signed prodigy dubbed 'Kid Messi ', who scored twice on his Under-18 debut against Leeds earlier this year. Kai's call-up comes off the back of a strong showing in the Super Cup NI. The tournament – formerly known as the Milk Cup – holds special significance for the Rooneys, with Wayne having played in it himself for Everton back in 2000. Wayne and wife Coleen were ever-present throughout the tournament, cheering from the stands alongside their younger sons Kit and Cass. They also took time out to enjoy the local attractions – including a visit to Curry's Fun Park in Portrush, where Wayne and his sons were spotted on the bumper cars. The couple posed for photos with staff and mingled with onlookers, drawing praise for their down-to-earth demeanour. After the final, Wayne posted a proud message on social media: 'Great few days in Coleraine for the SuperCupNI. Well done to Kai and the Manchester United lads on a brilliant effort throughout the tournament. Congratulations to Southampton on the win. Thanks to everyone for the warm welcome.' When asked about offering advice to his eldest son, Wayne said he prefers a hands-off approach. 'He just plays, that's what he's always done. It's unfair to expect too much — he's only 15. But he handles the pressure of his surname very well.' Kai joined United's academy in 2020 at the age of 11 and has steadily worked his way through the youth ranks. His playing style draws natural comparisons to his father, while staff at United have praised his composure, movement off the ball, and eye for goal.
Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Cesc Fabregas' Como players involved in mass brawl with Real Betis stars as pre-season clash descends into chaos after ex-Premier League hero appears to PUNCH opponent
Real Betis and Como FC players were involved in a mass brawl at the end of the first half of their pre-season clash in Cadiz. A number of stars were involved in the shocking altercation in which punches were thrown after Betis' Pablo Fornals and Como midfielder Maximo Perrone came to blows at the end of the first period. The former West Ham star appeared to punch Perrone, with the Argentine then trying strike the 29-year-old. Betis and Como players rushed over to intervene, before many of them also ended up in grappling matches of their own. Amid a chaos, a moment of levity occurred when Betis striker Cucho Hernandez made contact with his team-mate Natan with a flying right hook after failing to land his blow on a Como star. Despite landing the blow that sparked the unrest, Fornals remarkably avoided a red card, while Perrone and former Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin, whose increasingly animated protestations to the official landed him in hot water, were given their marching orders by the referee at the Estadio Municipal de La Linea de la Concepcion. Como led the clash 2-0 when the fighting broke out at half-time but Betis fought back to level the match at 2-2 before Ivan Azon's stoppage-time winner ensured victory for Cesc Fabregas ' side. Wednesday's clash could have lasting consequences for both sides as they near the start of their domestic seasons. The actions of the likes of Bellerin, Fournals and Cucho could result in suspension for the start of the new campaign. All three players are bonafide starters for Manuel Pellegrini, whose side take on newly promoted Elche on the opening matchday of the season.
