Four Observations from Germany’s crushing EURO 2025 defeat to Spain

Germany does have two ways to play

Germany entered the tournament playing adventurous, high-pressing and attacking football and ended having spent their last couple of games sitting in the stubbornest of defensive shells — and playing their best football in the process. Of course, Christian Wück & co. had to adjust to the situations and the matchups, but they did so effectively. Credit to the team for their adaptability.

Final third decision-making: still MIA

Germany’s staunch efforts defensively were ultimately wasted on the day. Hard-won ball recoveries and interceptions launched the Germans into numerous potent-looking transitions...but the timing and selection of the final pass or shot was off all day, and if truth be told, not quite right all tournament long. This time they weren’t a woman down, either. But whether it was Giovanna Hoffmann slipping offside or Klara Bühl or Jule Brand missing that final pass or cross opportunity, the Germans haven’t clicked.

Battered, bruised, but proud

For all the disappointment, this was an effort to proud of. Germany lost captain Giulia Gwinn in the first group stage match and have dealt with an improbably and almost comically disruptive chain of injuries and absences, mostly to right-backs or players cursed to be sent out in that position. They still played the tournament’s most frighteningly good team in Spain to a dead draw for 113 minutes — while coming off another game that made it to a penalty shootout. You can’t say they didn’t give everything.

Future looks bright

A head coach that adjusted when he needed. Rising young players at left- and right-back, along with two of the game’s best at left- and right-wing. It wasn’t perfect but there is a a lot of muscle to flex here. Carlotta Wamser — 21. Franziska Kett — 20. Even Gwinn (26), Bühl (24), and Brand (22) should have their peaks ahead of them.

There will be due soul-searching after this tournament but it was a fairly promising run. The pieces should be here for Germany to remain a force in the years to come.

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