Caen (France) Oct 29: Germany will face defending champion Spain in the Women’s Nations League final next month in a repeat of this year’s European Championship semifinal.
Germany drew 2-2 with France on Tuesday to progress 3-2 on aggregate, while Spain completed a 5-0 aggregate win over Sweden. The final will be held over two legs with Germany hosting Spain on November 28 before the return match at the Wanda Metropolitano in Madrid, four days later.
Having lost 1-0 in Germany on Friday, France immediately got back into the semifinal on Tuesday when Melvine Malard – starting in place of the injured Marie-Antoinette Katoto – headed in a cross in the third minute. But Nicole Anyomi levelled just nine minutes later and Klara Bühl gave Germany the lead with an angled drive early in the second half. France’s Clara Mateo headed in a cross from fellow substitute Kadidiatou Diani in the 89th minute to set up a tense finale but Germany held on.
It was much less nervy for Spain, which had routed Sweden 4-0 at home on Friday.
Two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas scored the only goal of the game in Sweden in the 75th minute for her third goal of the semifinal. (AP)
