Germany produced a clinical display to takedown Spain and reach the quarterfinals of the Euros at Brentford Stadium.
The Eight-time women’s European champions qualified for the next stage as Group B winners with a game to spare after their 2-0 win.
Spain, hoping for a historic first win over Germany, failed to translate possession into chances against opponents who pressed strongly and were quick to seize their chances.
Germany’s opening goal was a gift from Spain goalkeeper Sandra Panos in the third minute, whose attempted clearance went straight to Klara Buhl for her to slot home.
Spain’s best chance to equalize went begging with Lucia Garcia rounding keeper Merle Frohms before finding the side netting with her effort in the 10th minute.
Alexandra Popp, making her first start after striker Lea Schuller tested positive for COVID-19 the day before, doubled the tally for Germany in the 37th with a flicked header off a corner.
Frohms then kept Mariona Caldentay at bay in the 71st minute before Tabea Wassmuth had the ball in the back of the net in the 81st from an offside position in the game’s only big moments as Germany ran down the clock.
Spain’s 70% of the possession resulted in three shots on target to Germany’s two which both resulted in goals as they ended their rivals’ 24-match unbeaten run.
Spain and Germany had scored four in their opening Euros games and drew 1-1 in their last meeting in February in the Arnold Clark Cup at Middlesbrough’s Riverside stadium.
The defeat in front of a 16,000-strong crowd left Spain level on three points with Denmark, who beat Finland 1-0 earlier, but ahead on goal difference. The next round remains within reach for both in Group B.
