Following their defeat to the United States, Germany bounced back with a thrilling victory over Spain to claim the bronze medal. The match was decided by a crucial penalty kick save by German goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger in the dying moments of stoppage time.
After a goalless 65 minutes, Germany’s Giulia Gwinn was fouled in the box by Spanish goalkeeper Cata Coll, resulting in a penalty. Gwinn converted the penalty to give Germany a 1-0 lead.
However, it was Berger’s heroics that sealed the win for Germany. In the ninth minute of stoppage time, Berger made a spectacular save from a penalty taken by Spain’s Alexia Putellas, securing Germany’s bronze medal.
Berger, who battled thyroid cancer in 2017 and faced a recurrence in 2022, has been a standout performer for Germany throughout the Olympics. Despite not being the first-choice goalkeeper, she has made crucial saves, including two penalties in a shootout against Canada.
Signing with Gotham FC in April, Berger has continued her exceptional form, conceding only 13 goals in the season, the lowest in the NWSL.
Germany’s bronze medal in Tokyo marks their fifth Olympic soccer medal, with previous successes including gold in 2016 and bronze in 2000, 2004, and 2008.