PARIS 2024 WOMEN’S FOOTBALL: GERMANY EDGE SPAIN 1-0 TO CLINCH BRONZE MEDAL
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Alexia Putellas missed a stoppage time penalty as world champions Spain were beaten 1-0 by Germany in the bronze medal match in women’s football at the Olympic Games in Lyon on Friday.
Ann-Katrin Berger dramatically saved from the two-time Ballon d’Or winner in the eighth minute of added time as 2016 winners Germany claimed the bronze for the fourth time since the sport was introduced to the Games in 1996.
A penalty from Giulia Gwinn had earlier given Germany the lead after the Bayern Munich player had been fouled by Spain goalkeeper Cata Coll in the 64th minute.
The defeat compounded a disappointing week for pre-tournament favourites Spain, who suffered a surprise defeat to Brazil in their first-ever appearance at the Olympics in the semifinal on Tuesday.
Brazil and the United States will meet in gold medal match in Paris on Saturday.
Spain, winners of the World Cup last summer and the UEFA Nations League earlier this year, grew into the game and had the better of a quiet first half.
Teresa Abelleira hit the bar from a free-kick and Ballon d’Or holder Aitana Bonmatí was also denied by the woodwork, with Jenni Hermoso’s rebound deflected wide.
Montse Tome’s side continued to dominate in the second period but lacked a cutting edge, with Salma Paralluelo and Athenea del Castillo both missing chances.
The winning goal arrived when a hopeful long pass forward caught Coll out. The Barcelona stopper misjudged the bounce of the ball and clattered into Gwinn, with the referee quickly awarding a penalty.
Gwinn made no mistake from 12 yards, converting her second goal of the tournament.
Coll made amends 10 minutes later, saving brilliantly when one on one with Lea Schüller, but the stop counted for little despite Spain’s late push for an equaliser.
Germany goalkeeper Berger made a fine save from a point blank Hermoso header as the minutes ticked down, but she saved her biggest moment for the very end.
Spain were handed a lifeline deep into stoppage time when Lucía García was fouled in the area, but captain Putellas could not extend the game, with Berger saving to her left to earn the bronze for her country.
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