Latest news with #Berger
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Spain hero Aitana Bonmati reveals secret plan behind stunning winner in Euro 2025 semi-final
Aitana Bonmati revealed Spain had spotted Germany goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger's tendency to step away from her near post after scoring from the tightest of angles to send the world champions into the Euro 2025 final. The two-time Ballon d'Or winner broke the deadlock in the 113th minute of the semi-final when she squeezed a shot from close to the byline past the Germany goalkeeper, as Spain set up a World Cup final rematch with European champions England on Sunday. Barcelona midfielder Bonmati confirmed after the match that she intended to shoot after Spain had studied Berger's positioning and found she often left the near post uncovered in anticipation of a cross or a pull-back. Berger had signalled to her defenders with her right arm, pointing towards the space in the penalty box, just as Bonmati unleashed a fierce strike of power and accuracy to find the narrow gap Berger had left behind. "We had studied Berger and sometimes the first post was left empty,' Bonmati told Spanish TV station RTVE, as world champions Spain progressed to their first-ever European final. Berger had been Germany's hero in their penalty shoot-out win over France in the quarter-finals and had kept Germany in the game during the first half with a string of saves to deny Spain forward Esther Gonzalez. With the semi-final heading towards penalties, Bonmati broke the deadlock and the 1-0 victory meant that Spain defeated Germany for the first time at a major international tournament. "I'm proud because we deserve it,' Bonmati said. 'We had a tremendous championship. It was the first time we beat Germany, and on top of that, we reached the final." Bonmati has reached the Euro 2025 final after she was taken to hospital for treatment for viral meningitis the week before the tournament began. The 27-year-old only joined up with Spain's squad a few days before their opening game against Portugal but did not make her first start of the tournament until the third game against Italy. Bonmati has now produced magic moments to unlock both the quarter-finals and semi-finals for Spain, first setting up Athenea del Castillo's opener in the 2-0 win over Switzerland with a clever assist and then scoring from a tight angle to send Spain into the final.
Jordan Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- Jordan Times
Spain beat Germany with Bonmati extra-time goal to reach Euro 2025 final
ZURICH — Aitana Bonmati netted the only goal of the game late in extra time as world champions Spain edged Germany 1-0 in their Women's Euro 2025 semifinal on Wednesday to set up a title decider this weekend against England. A tense game in Zurich was ticking down towards penalties when reigning Ballon d'Or Bonmati struck in the 113th minute, surprising the usually reliable German goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger at her near post. It was not one of Barcelona star Bonmati's most influential performances, yet she still delivered when it mattered to keep Spain on course to win their first European Championship crown. "We knew that the goalkeeper often leaves her near post open in these situations, so I didn't think twice. I didn't want the game to go to penalties," said a beaming Bonmati. Spain were also grateful to goalkeeper Cata Coll for some vital interventions, including a spectacular double save to deny Klara Buehl and Carlotta Wamser right at the end of normal time, as Germany were agonisingly eliminated. The Spaniards will now face reigning European champions England on Sunday in Basel in what will be a repeat of the 2023 World Cup decider, when La Roja triumphed 1-0 in Sydney. If Montse Tome's side come out on top again, they will become the first nation to hold both the world and European titles at the same time since Germany almost 15 years ago. Spain had never beaten Germany before, and now it advances to its first ever Euro final, with the chance to cement their status as the leading force in international women's football. "We have made history again today, getting to a first Euro final and beating Germany for the first time," said Bonmati. "We are proud to be part of this generation of players, but this is not over yet. We can enjoy this and then tomorrow we need to start thinking about England." Germany, meanwhile, had been hoping to avenge their defeat by England in the last Euro final in 2022, but they will not add to their record tally of eight European Championship victories. "She doesn't have to take responsibility. She made so many wonderful saves to get us where we are," Germany coach Christian Wueck said of goalkeeper Berger. "There is no blame, we are very proud of the team." Spain should have been the fresher of the two sides, having played their quarter-final against hosts Switzerland a day before Germany got the better of France on penalties after playing almost the whole game with 10 players. Tale of two goalkeepers Germany were also missing three starters from that match, with Kathrin Hendrich and Sjoeke Nuesken suspended while right-back Sarai Linder was injured. Wueck's team did unsurprisingly have the majority of the 22,432 crowd behind them at Zurich's Letzigrund Stadium, and they also had Berger in goal. A star of the win over France, she made a fine save to keep out a shot from Spain's Esther Gonzalez -- her teammate at Gotham FC in the United States -- just before the midway point in the first half, tipping the ball over for a corner. Spain captain Irene Paredes headed against the post from a Claudia Pina corner and Gonzalez was again denied by Berger before half-time. It was then Germany's turn to have the best chances in the second half, but Coll made a crucial block from Buehl just after the hour mark, and the Bayern Munich star also curled a free-kick just wide late on. Then came the stunning double save from Coll right at the end of the allotted four minutes of injury time, as the Barcelona goalkeeper kept out a deflected Buehl shot that was looping in and quickly got up to stop Wamser's follow-up. That was a sign that it would not be Germany's night, and they then saw defender Sophia Kleinherne come off in tears early in extra time after overstretching while trying to stop Salma Paralluelo going clean through on goal. Spain's winner eventually came, as Bonmati let a ball from Athenea del Castillo run past her in the area before beating Berger with a shot from a tight angle. There was still time for Coll to excel again, flying to her left to save from Lea Schueller as Spain held on.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Miami Dolphins superfan Ian 'Big E' Berger in need of partial liver donation
Miami Dolphins superfan Ian "Big E" Berger recently had a streak of 13 seasons of never missing a home game, including preseason, broken. "I missed three games due to being in the hospital," Berger said. "However, I was able to watch those games from my hospital bed with my Fins gear on." Berger has been a Dolphins fan for 40 years. He cites Zach Thomas as his favorite all-time player, followed by Dan Marino and Jason Taylor. Big E's fandom is among the stories being highlighted as part of the USA TODAY Network's search for the nation's ultimate sports fan. A select number of fans will advance to a bracket-style competition in September to crown a champion. Berger's favorite current players are Tua Tagovailoa, Jaylen Waddle and Zach Sieler. It's no mistake Berger's nickname is "Big E" as he is now 6-foot-6, 250 pounds. And he's been much bigger. "I've lost 90 pounds due to my illness," said Berger, of Coconut Creek. "I'm happy about being thinner, but wish I had done it on my terms." Berger represented the Dolphins as their official "Fan of the Year" in 2020. And so many Dolphins fans are familiar with his ongoing medical battle. In October 2024, Berger was diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis, which is an autoimmune disorder that attacks the liver and ultimately blocks bile ducts. Bile is forced outside of the liver walls and it destroys the organ. Berger has stage 4 cirrhosis, which has led to the need for a liver transplant. For now, Berger has two tubes that are connected to his liver that exit his body through his abdomen and are also connected to his lower intestine. Berger's most recent bloodwork and MRI also revealed signs of possible bile-duct cancer, known as cholangiocarcinoma. 'Devastating news, but I'll be fighting!' Berger says. Berger is in need of someone to donate a part of their liver. In the human body, livers actually grow back, which means he is in search of someone willing to offer a partial donation. Berger, who has helped raise about $90,000 for Dolphins Challenge Cancer over the past six years, simply hopes to be able to live a normal, healthy life. To learn more about how to help, and/or to see if you may be qualified to donate, visit Big E's page on the National Kidney Registration. ( "There's no place I'd rather be during football season than Hard Rock Stadium!" Berger said. The Dolphins have not won a playoff game since 2000, so Dolphins fans often have a unique perspective of fandom. Here is Big E's: "I think that being a Dolphins fan is like being in a relationship. You try to give advice, and they don't listen. You have your good times together and you have your bad times together, but you still stay together. And sometimes you don't feel like supporting them, but you still show up because you love them so much." Name: Ian "Big E" Berger Hometown/residence: Coconut Creek, Florida Team: Miami Dolphins Years of fandom: 40 How it started: My grandfather took me to my first Dolphins game at the Orange Bowl in 1985. How it's going: There have been many ups and downs over the past 40 years for the team. The '90s were fun, but unfortunately, there have been more downs than ups since then. However, my fandom has never wavered. "This will be our year" is an annual motto in our household. Has it caused you to miss any major life events? I've never missed any major life events because of the Dolphins. However, when my wife and I went on our honeymoon on a cruise over 20 years ago, it was important that the Dolphins vs Green Bay Packers Monday Night Football game was showing somewhere on the boat. I was the only Fins fan watching the game in a sea of Packers fans by the pool. Then, during the birth of our first daughter, the Dolphins were playing the 49ers right after she was born. While I wasn't allowed to be in some of the surgical rooms with my wife and newborn, I was able to find an empty hospital room to watch the game. Most memorable moment as a fan of the Dolphins: My youngest daughter and I staying until the end of the 7+ hour Dolphins vs Titans game. It was the season opener and my daughter wanted to stay until the end, as did I. It was special because I got to spend that time with my daughter and we got to witness a historic game with a Dolphins win. Also, my Dad and I attending the last home Dolphins playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens. Although we lost that game, the energy of the Fins fans leading up to that game, walking up the helixes for the stadium, entering the stadium, was incredible. And also, my wife and I attending the Dolphins vs Broncos game a few years ago to watch the Dolphins score 70 points. Most forgettable moment as a fan of the Dolphins: The 2023 Dolphins were 9-3 heading into Week 14 Monday Night Football game against the Titans. The Dolphins had control of the game, and everyone in attendance was excited that the Fins were going to go to 10-3 on the season with a tough stretch left to close out the year. But with three minutes left and being down by 14 points, the Titans came back to beat the Dolphins. And, the Dolphins ended up losing a home playoff game due to this game and the other losses that followed. Decembers have not been good for the Dolphins for a very long time. Any regrets? I think my only regret would be that I didn't have the opportunity to meet Don Shula prior to his passing. He would have been the one person I would have loved to talk to and listen to his stories and coaching advice. Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@ and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Why Miami Dolphins superfan Ian 'Big E' Berger can't stop loving his team
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Spain book Euro final against England
Aitana Bonmati netted the only goal of the game late in extra time as world champions Spain edged Germany 1-0 in their Women's Euro 2025 semi-final on Wednesday to set up a title decider this weekend against England. A tense game in Zurich was ticking down towards penalties when reigning Ballon d'Or Bonmati struck in the 113th minute, surprising the usually reliable German goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger at her near post. It was not one of Barcelona star Bonmati's most influential performances, yet she still delivered when it mattered to keep Spain on course to win their first European Championship crown. "We knew that the goalkeeper often leaves her near post open in these situations, so I didn't think twice. I didn't want the game to go to penalties," said a beaming Bonmati. Spain were also grateful to goalkeeper Cata Coll for some vital interventions, including a spectacular double save to deny Klara Buehl and Carlotta Wamser right at the end of normal time, as Germany were agonisingly eliminated. The Spaniards will now face reigning European champions England on Sunday in Basel in what will be a repeat of the 2023 World Cup decider, when La Roja triumphed 1-0 in Sydney. If Montse Tome's side come out on top again, they will become the first nation to hold both the world and European titles at the same time since Germany almost 15 years ago. Spain had never beaten Germany before, and now they advance to their first ever Euro final, with the chance to cement their status as the leading force in international women's football. "We have made history again today, getting to a first Euro final and beating Germany for the first time," said Bonmati. "We are proud to be part of this generation of players, but this is not over yet. We can enjoy this and then tomorrow we need to start thinking about England." Germany, meanwhile, had been hoping to avenge their defeat by England in the last Euro final in 2022, but they will not add to their record tally of eight European Championship victories. "She doesn't have to take responsibility. She made so many wonderful saves to get us where we are," Germany coach Christian Wueck said of goalkeeper Berger. "There is no blame, we are very proud of the team." Spain should have been the fresher of the two sides, having played their quarter-final against hosts Switzerland a day before Germany got the better of France on penalties after playing almost the whole game with 10 players. Tale of two goalkeepers Germany were also missing three starters from that match, with Kathrin Hendrich and Sjoeke Nuesken suspended while right-back Sarai Linder was injured. Wueck's team did unsurprisingly have the majority of the 22,432 crowd behind them at Zurich's Letzigrund Stadium, and they also had Berger in goal. A star of the win over France, she made a fine save to keep out a shot from Spain's Esther Gonzalez — her teammate at Gotham FC in the United States — just before the midway point in the first half, tipping the ball over for a corner. Spain captain Irene Paredes headed against the post from a Claudia Pina corner and Gonzalez was again denied by Berger before half-time. It was then Germany's turn to have the best chances in the second half, but Coll made a crucial block from Buehl just after the hour mark, and the Bayern Munich star also curled a free-kick just wide late on. Then came the stunning double save from Coll right at the end of the allotted four minutes of injury time, as the Barcelona goalkeeper kept out a deflected Buehl shot that was looping in and quickly got up to stop Wamser's follow-up. That was a sign that it would not be Germany's night, and they then saw defender Sophia Kleinherne come off in tears early in extra time after overstretching while trying to stop Salma Paralluelo going clean through on goal. Spain's winner eventually came, as Bonmati let a ball from Athenea del Castillo run past her in the area before beating Berger with a shot from a tight angle. There was still time for Coll to excel again, flying to her left to save from Lea Schueller as Spain held on.
Qatar Tribune
5 days ago
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Bonmati puts Spain into Euro final after extra-time win over Germany
dpa Zurich Aitana Bonmatí netted with aplomb in extra-time to send world champions Spain into the Euro 2025 final following a 1-0 win over record eight-times winners Germany on Wednesday. Spain will meet holders England in Sunday's final in Basel, a repeat of the 2023 World Cup final won 1-0 by La Roja. It is a first Euro final for the Spanish women. Montse Tomé's side dominated possession as usual in Zurich but Germany, who somehow beat France on penalties in the last eight having been down to 10 players after 13 minutes, defended stoutly and were dangerous on the break. The contrast in styles meant the 90 minutes ended 0-0 before world player of the year Bonmatí produced a rare moment of class with a clever dummy. Her effort from a tight angle then went in at the near post. Bonmatí said: 'I feel proud because we deserve it. We suffered.' The 113th-minute goal was tough on Germany keeper Ann-Katrin Berger, who has shone this tournament but said she should have done better while expecting a cross. 'The disappointment is huge, we believed until the last second. One small mistake, one loss of focus and it is so bitter,' Berger told ARD. 'I take responsibility, the near post needs to be covered. I'm sorry so for the team, not just for me.' Bonmatí added: 'We had studied Berger, who made certain movements and sometimes left spaces at the near post.' Germany were without the suspended Kathrin Hendrich following her ponytail pull against France. Sophia Kleinherne replaced her in a back three, while wing back Carlotta Wamser returned from suspension and Sara Däbritz came in for suspended midfielder Sjoeke Nüsken. Spain made one enforced change from the 2-0 quarter-final win over hosts Switzerland as centre back María Méndez filled in for the suspended Laia Aleixandri. 'No blame,' says Germany coach Klara Bühl fired the first good chance wide for the Germans, watched in the Letzigrund stands by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Spain striker Esther González then tested Berger, who starred against the French, and the keeper made another smart save. The tournament favourites, who had scored 16 goals in winning all their previous four matches in Switzerland, upped the ante just before the break and Irene Paredes headed against the post before Berger again denied González. Half-time came at a good time for the Germans, who had at least kept Bonmatí and previous world player of the year Alèxia Putellas fairly quiet up to that point. Bühl had three further big opportunities in the second half - including a deflected effort clawed off the line by Cata Coll at the death. Otherwise the ball was mainly up the other end, although La Roja struggled to carve out clear-cut chances despite the multitude of short passes. Extra-time was largely a non-event until Bonmatí, who had meningitis at the start of the Euros, stylishly struck - assuming she meant it at Berger's near post. 'We imagined things differently,' Germany coach Christian Wück said. 'There is no blame, she is world player of the year. It can happen. We have played a really good tournament.'
