Sam MarsdenJul 28, 2025, 04:00 AM ET
Sam MarsdenJul 28, 2025, 04:00 AM ET
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Spainhad just reached the final of Euro 2025, but there was a serious look on captainIrene Paredes’ face as she spoke to the media after the win overGermanyin Zurich last Wednesday.
“Come on,tía, we have to celebrate,” interrupted a beamingCata Coll, the goalkeeper well aware that those moments do not come around very often. Outside, her teammates were doing just that:Cristina Martín-Prietowas banging a drum,Patri Guijarrowas blasting music from a speaker, andOlga Carmonawas asking where the beer was as the players filed on to the bus for the journey back to Lausanne.
Sadly for them, that proved the high point of Spain’s summer in Switzerland in the end as another Euros eventually came to a crushing end with Sunday’s penalty shootout defeat toEnglandin Basel. MidfielderAitana Bonmatí, named the Player of the Tournament, said the loss left her in shock, while there was a realization among her teammates that they now have to wait another four years for a shot at becoming European champions for the first time.
The world champions had ticked off a series of firsts as they made their way to the final at St.
Jakob-Park: a first Euros knockout win, a first-ever victory over Germany, and a first final appearance. They had played the best football throughout the tournament, winning all five of their games, and were favorites to beat England, as they did in the World Cup final in 2023.
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Instead, they were sent home empty handed once again — having been eliminated in the quarterfinals in 2013, 2017 and 2022. Their only other appearance at the finals, in 1997, ended at the semifinal stage.
The immediate reaction was of luck deserting them again at the Euros.
Three years ago it wasAlexia Putellas, at the peak of her powers, tearing her ACL on the eve of the tournament and setting the stage for a quarterfinal exit to England; this time it was a failure to turn dominance into goals and the cruel nature of penalties.
“We deserved more, but who doesn’t?” Paredes told reporters after the final. “England had that bit of luck they’ve had throughout the tournament. It wasn’t to be for us.”
Spain had over 60% of the ball and 22 shots to England’s eight, but rarely tested goalkeeperHannah HamptonafterMariona Caldenteygave them a first-half lead.Alessia Russoequalized for England and, after Bonmatí, Caldentey andSalma Paralluelomissed their penalties,Chloe Kellyconverted to make it back-to-back Euro wins for England.
“I’m devastated,” Bonmatí said, apologizing for missing from the spot.
“From the 70th minute onwards, we were in control. We were the better team. I think we’re the ones who have done the best [in the tournament], who have played the best and who have the most talent.”
Source: Espnsoccer
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