90min
·9 August 2024
90min
·9 August 2024
Spain will face Germany in their final match at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, and La Roja could take home their first ever Olympic medal in women's soccer with a victory.
Spain came into the 2024 Paris Olympic Games as one of the favorites to win the tournament, but they could not get past Brazil in the semi-finals. The reigning World Cup champions had been perfect in France this summer until they suffered a 2-4 defeat to the Selecao, crushing their dreams of playing in the gold medal match. La Roja now must settle for bronze, but only if they can get past Germany.
Germany also lost their semi-final match and any hopes of leaving France with a silver or gold medal on Tuesday. Horst Hrubesch's squad could not get past the United States, who remain unbeaten under Emma Hayes. Still, Die Nationalelf can secure a podium finish with a victory over Spain, but they will likely be without two of their best players.
Alexia Putellas was benched against Brazil. / Claudio Villa/GettyImages
Spain were outclassed and outmatched by Brazil in the semi-finals, and a lot of La Roja's struggles can be attributed to their surprising starting XI. Most notably, Alexia Putellas was benched, and did not come into the match until the 77th minute. The Barcelona midfielder was an instant difference maker, and showed exactly why she should start against Germany.
Real Madrid's Athenea del Castillo should also regain her starting spot up top after being substituted in the semi-final at halftime.
Spain predicted lineup vs Germany ( 4-1-2-3 ): Coll; Batlle, Paredes, Aleixandri, Olga; Guijarro; Bonmati, Putellas; Del Castillo, Paralluelo, Caldentey
Germany will likely be without Alexandra Popp and Lea Schuller against Spain. / Eurasia Sport Images/GettyImages
Germany were without Lea Schuller and Alexandra Popp in their semi-finals match against the United States. Schuller was unfit to play after sustaining a left knee injury, and Popp was suffering from an infection.
Once again, expect Nicole Anyomi and Sydney Lohmann to start in their places if both women are still unable to compete.
Germany predicted lineup vs Spain (4-4-2): Berger; Gwinn, Hendrich, Hegering, Rauch; Lohmann, Minge, Nusken, Buhl; Brand, Anyomi
Both Spain and Germany have put in medal-worthy performances at the 2024 Paris Olympics, but Spain have the slight edge against a weakened German side. Horst Hrubesch's squad has not scored in their last two matches, and could find success against La Roja's struggling backline, but it is hard to go against the reigning World Cup champions, especially if they field their strongest XI.