Germany’s Gritty Quarter-Final Triumph Revives Title Hopes
Zurich: Tournament team Germany now believe they can shock Spain. 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.
According to BBC, Sophie Affeldt, a reporter for German television channel Sport1, remarked, “The team showed the typical German mentality that has perhaps been somewhat lost in recent years.” This resilient performance reignited discussions around Germany’s potential to clinch the title. Before the tournament commenced, Wuck expressed confidence, saying, “I am convinced we will have a good competition but it also depends on luck and staying injury-free.” However, Germany’s journey in Switzerland has been far from smooth.
The team faced significant setbacks, including the loss of captain Giulia Gwinn to a serious knee injury just 40 minutes into their opening game against Poland, ruling her out for the rest of the tournament. In the match against Sweden, Gwinn’s replacement, Carlotta Wamser, was sent off in the 31st minute for a goalline handball, leading to a 4-1 defeat and Sweden topping Group C. Charlotte Bruch from Tagesspiegel noted that the mental strength of the German team was questioned during the group stage, especially after the loss to Sweden.
With Gwinn out and Wamser suspended, Sarai Linder was shifted from left-back to right-back against France, only to be replaced after 20 minutes with an ankle injury. Despite these challenges, Germany adapted, with Rebecca Knaak highlighting the team’s adaptability and support for one another. Under Wuck’s new leadership, Germany arrived at Euro 2025 with modest expectations. Opta statistics experts placed their title-winning chances at 15%, alongside France, while Spain and England were favorites.
Sophie Affeldt noted that Germany wasn’t seen as a title favorite due to the team’s state of upheaval, with retirements and new faces like Franziska Kett, Rebecca Knaak, and Giovanna Hoffmann entering the squad. Concerns over Germany’s defense and reliance on flair players like Jule Brand and Klara Buhl were prevalent, especially after the defeat to Sweden, which initially confirmed fans’ pre-tournament doubts. However, Affeldt mentioned that belief in the team has been rekindled, with fans now seeing the possibility of a title win despite stronger teams.
Bruch agreed, stating that the belief in winning the title has grown due to Germany’s performance, displaying sheer willpower and fighting spirit. Germany, known for major tournament successes, both in women’s and men’s football, has not won a major tournament in over 11 years. Yet, Spain’s head coach, Montse Tome, acknowledged Germany’s enduring essence and tournament mentality, saying, “Germany are always Germany.”