Germany showcased a dominant performance in the first leg of their Nations League final against Spain on Friday in Kaiserslautern, but they ultimately had to settle for a goalless draw. Despite registering 19 attempts on goal, the German squad could not find the net, largely due to the exceptional play of Spanish goalkeeper Cata Coll, who thwarted numerous chances.
Coll acknowledged the intensity of the match, stating, “The result is positive and we will see them again in the Metropolitano [Stadium]. This is Germany. We knew they would be dangerous and have their chances. Fortunately, they didn’t put them in.”
Klara Bühl was particularly impressive for Germany, creating several opportunities with her dribbling and powerful shots, only to be denied by the resolute Spanish defense. An almost critical moment for Germany came early in the second half when Esther González struck the woodwork, keeping the match scores tied.
The match conditions added to the challenge, with steady rain falling throughout the second half. Bühl refused to back down, nearly scoring when her shot ricocheted off the left post. Jule Brand followed up shortly thereafter with a close chance that skimmed the top of the bar in the 76th minute. Despite their efforts, both teams remained unable to break the deadlock, setting the stage for a tense second leg in Madrid.
German defender Janina Minge expressed confidence in her team’s performance, stating, “Everyone who saw today’s match knows that we didn’t just keep up but played really well. If we can convert our chances and keep defending as we did, we can get the win on Tuesday.”
Spain has had a remarkable run in major tournaments, reaching the finals of the last four, including victories against England in the 2023 World Cup and France in the 2024 Women’s Nations League. However, they suffered a defeat to England in last summer’s European Championship final.
With the upcoming second leg promising high stakes and excitement, both teams have reason to believe in their chances. The resilience displayed in the first match bodes well for a thrilling conclusion in the Nations League final.