BASEL, Switzerland (BN24) — England will meet Spain in the Women’s European Championship final on Sunday, setting the stage for a high-stakes rematch of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final, where Spain clinched a historic 1-0 victory in Sydney.
Spain secured their spot in the Basel final with a dramatic 1-0 win over Germany in extra time on Wednesday. Aitana Bonmatí, the reigning Ballon d’Or Féminin winner, struck the decisive goal in the 23rd minute of added time, catching the German defense off guard with a sharp shot from a narrow angle after shaping up for a cross.
The victory marked a significant milestone for Spain, who are into their first-ever Women’s Euros final. It also signaled the end of a remarkable streak for Germany, who had never been eliminated at the semifinal stage since 1997 and had only failed to score in four of their previous 50 matches in the tournament’s history.
Defending champions England, who lifted the Euro 2022 trophy at Wembley, will now have a chance to reclaim their continental crown and avenge last year’s World Cup heartbreak. The final will be held at St. Jakob-Park in Basel, with kickoff set for 6 p.m. local time (5 p.m. in the UK).
Sunday’s clash will rekindle one of the fastest-growing rivalries in international women’s football. Spain’s tactical precision and attacking flair under manager Montse Tomé will once again test Sarina Wiegman’s well-drilled England squad, which is looking to reaffirm its status as Europe’s dominant force.
The final not only pits the reigning European champions against the current world titleholders, but it also promises to be a defining moment in the evolving balance of power in women’s football.
