Jenni Hermoso and Aitana Bonmatí helped Spain beat Netherlands 3-0 in the Women’s Nations League semi-final, a victory that secured the world champions a spot in the Paris Olympics and set up a final with France, who beat Germany 2-1 in the other semi on Friday.
Hermoso opened the scoring for Spain with a solo effort in the 41st minute, before Ballon d’Or holder Bonmatí doubled the lead in the 45th. Ona Battle added the third in Seville in the 77th to complete a dominant performance by the hosts.
Reaching Spain’s first Olympic Games is the first important success for the team since Montse Tomé took over in September following the scandal that erupted when former Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales kissed Hermoso without her consent at the World Cup final trophy presentation. “I took charge in a difficult moment that nobody wanted and we took a step forward,” Tomé said. “We are proud of the work we have done. This team deserves to play an Olympic Games after all the prior generations who fought for it and came up short.”
France scored two first-half goals and held on to beat Germany. Head coach Hervé Renard said: “Congratulations to the girls, they have been remarkable, but only half the journey is complete. Spain are the best team in the world at the moment so it’s a big challenge. But we have everything to win.”
Kadidiatou Diani put France ahead in the 41st minute when she volleyed home after Germany’s defence failed to clear a free-kick. The home side moved further ahead in first-half stoppage time when Sakina Karchaoui struck a powerful penalty past Merle Frohms, after Selma Bacha was fouled.
France were without their injured centre-half Wendie Renard but were untroubled until Sara Däbritz went close with a powerful shot from 25 yards in the 75th minute as the visitors cranked up the pressure. Soon after, Amandine Henry handled from a cross, and a penalty was awarded following a VAR review. Giulia Gwinn rifled the spot-kick into the roof of the net in the 82nd minute to give Germany hope in front of 30,000 fans at Lyon’s Groupama Stadium, but France held on.
after newsletter promotion
Les Bleues had already qualified for the Olympics as the host country. Spain will face France in the final at La Cartuja stadium in Seville on Wednesday.