DFB women before the European Championship semi-finals: Can they stop the Spaniards?

DFB women before the European Championship semi-finals: Can they stop the Spaniards?

On Wednesday, July 23, 2025, the DFB women will meet the Spanish selection in the semi-finals of the European Championship. Kick-off is at 9 p.m. at the Letzigrund stadium in Zurich, and the game promises to be a real football festival. But the German team is under pressure: after two challenging games in which they often had to play outnumbered, the declared goal is to get through the semi-finals without being sent off. This strength of nerve will be crucial when the team faces Spain's wingers and possession-oriented style of play today. As sportschau.de reports, national coach Christian Wück expects his players to have to run after a lot.

In the quarterfinals, Germany met France in a penalty shootout, where goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger saved two penalties and thus contributed to the DFB team's 6-5 victory. The game was characterized by tension and emotions. Sjoeke Nüsken turned the game around with her equalizer goal after Germany initially trailed. This not only shows the team's ability to fight back, but also their tireless team spirit. But the price for the victory was high: In addition to Nüsken, captain Giulia Gwinn also had to miss the game due to injury, and Nüsken, a key player, was also sidelined due to a yellow card suspension - a double challenge for the German team.

The challenge against Spain

Historically, Germany has a strong record against Spain: in eight matches there were five wins and three draws, without a defeat. There is something to be said for the DFB women, who also want to rely on their compact defensive structures. Goalkeeper Almuth Schult and those in front of her have to prepare for the Spanish team's feared tiki-taka moves - a real challenge, as Wück emphasizes. At the same time, the DFB team's offensive forces are required to recognize and exploit the right moments. National player Rebecca Knaak sums it up: “It is important to be alert in the crucial phases of the game and ready to strike.”

Spain, on the other hand, as reigning world champions and leaders of the FIFA world rankings, are hungry for success and want to secure their first win against Germany. Coach Montse Tomé is impressed by the maturity and freshness of her team, but also warns about the strength of the DFB women. With an offense that scored 14 goals in the group stage and internal reports of tensions within the Spanish team, a tactical opportunity could arise for Germany, as nadr.de notes.

Look at the statistics and forecasts

The DFB squad only has an average of 34.8 international matches experience, which is considered relatively inexperienced, but previous performances have established the team as a strong fighter. Scientific forecast models put the chances for Spain at 27.2% and for Germany at 23.0%, so the outcome of the game is completely open. Fans and experts are eagerly awaiting the upcoming game, and one can only hope that the euphoria of the quarter-finals takes the DFB women to the next level. The mood is positive and many believe in the mental strength of the team, which has grown after the challenges of the last few games. The keys to success will be defensive discipline, speed in transition and the ability to attack in crucial moments.

The anticipation is great - all eyes are on the European Championship semi-finals: Will the DFB women manage to defend their historic record and make it to the final? We are excited!