Germany secured the bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics with a 1-0 win against Spain thanks to a combination of its top-notch defense and Ann-Katrin Berger’s brilliant goalkeeping.
In the final minutes of the first half, Spain looked like the team to get on the scoresheet first. Alexia Putellas set up midfielder Aitana Bonmati nicely for a wide-open shot at the edge of the box, only for the ball to hit the crossbar. Jennifer Hermoso was able to follow up on the rebound, but a deflection sent her attempt just over the net.
In the second half, Spain’s goalkeeper Cata Coll made a costly mistake after she fouled Guilia Gwinn in the box and Germany was then awarded a penalty in the 65th minute. It proved to be the game-changing moment as Gwinn stepped up to coolly put the penalty away and give her team a 1-0 lead.
Spain had more possession of the ball while Germany continued to frustrate its opponents.
Germany narrowly missed the opportunity to go two goals up in the 71st minute as Alexandra Popp provided top scorer Lea Schuller with an open shot, but Coll was able to save her effort.
Spain turned up the pressure on Berger, who was consistent with impressive saves.
Berger’s MVP moment occurred deep into the stoppage time — and the last second of the match. Janina Minge clipped the back of Lucia Garcia’s foot in the box, leading to the referee to award a penalty for Spain. Alexia Putellas stepped up to take the penalty, but Berger dove the correct way and was able to put two strong hands on the ball and make a game-winning save.
"It is a really nice feeling. I don't know what just happened in 90 minutes," Berger said. "I have absolutely no idea. I just know we won the bronze medal, and that's the most important bit. The belief that the coach has in every single person and that we can actually do the job, I think that's why we won the bronze."
Germany has now won an Olympic medal in each of the last five Games in which the nation qualified — gold in 2016 and bronze in 2000, 2004 and 2008. Spain, on the other hand, missed the opportunity to win a medal in its debut campaign in the Olympic women's soccer tournament.
Germany sent its head coach Horst Hrubesch off with a bronze medal in his final game for the team, which will now make way for Christian Wuck.
"I was very tense but I completely trusted my goalkeeper and knew she could save the ball and make it happen," Hrubesch said. "I don't think I will retire, but maybe I need to ask my wife."