Their profligacy is not a new concern; it was evident during last summer's Euros, particularly in the quarterfinal against France and the semifinal against Spain. But this time it hurt them more than it should have. In many ways, it was a near-perfect performance. Germany created wave after wave of opportunities, pushed Spain deep into their own half, and left goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger with little to do. Yet the one thing they needed, and arguably deserved, never came: a goal.
The Germany Women, led by Munich players Giulia Gwinn, Franziska Kett, Klara Bühl, Lea Schüller, Alara Şehitler and Linda Dallmann, laid the foundations for a place in the Nations League final in their semi-final first leg against France. The 37,191 fans in the Merkur Spiel-Arena in Düsseldorf saw a fast-paced and evenly-matched encounter. With 79 minutes on the clock, Klara Bühl had a go from around 18 metres out and hit the back of the net to score what was ultimately a deserved winner.