Spain’s Aitana Bonmatí has struck a superb extra-time winner to fire her side to a 1-0 victory over Germany, sending the World Cup winners through to the Women’s European Championship final for the first time.
England leaves it late in Euro semifinal
The victory set up a decider against reigning champions England in Basel on Monday morning AEST.
It will be a re-match of the 2023 World Cup final in Sydney, which Spain won 1-0.
Bonmatí finally broke the deadlock in the 113th minute.
She picked up a ball in the left channel and spotted a gap left by Germany keeper Ann-Katrin Berger at the near post, before whipping a shot from a tight angle into the net.
Spain captain Irene Paredes struck the foot of a post with a first-half header as her side dominated possession, with the Germans building a solid block and inviting the Spaniards to attack while they attempted to strike on the counter.
Germany winger Klara Buehl was impressive throughout the match, getting in behind the Spanish defence in the 63rd minute but shooting straight at goalkeeper Cata Coll.
With the Germans defending superbly, Spain struggled to break them down.
The World Cup champions were almost caught out in stoppage time when Buehl had a deflected effort that Coll had to claw away, but the match ended scoreless, forcing extra time.
Germany, who came into the match with a record of nine wins in 10 previous Euro semifinals, looked set to drag the match to penalties, but Bonmatí had other ideas.
England also needed extra time to snatch a 2-1 win over Italy in their semifinal on Wednesday AEST.
Reuters