The first leg of the Nations League medal matches produced close results
A total of 22 shots were taken in the gold medal match between Germany and France, but none of them resulted in a goal. There is no clear favorite in the bronze medal match either.
Gold medal match (Germany x Spain, 0:0)
- Germany had the chance to get revenge on Spain for the World Cup semi-final. Back then, Aitana Bonmati sent Spain to the final with the only goal in extra time.
- Germany dominated the match statistically — registering 19 attempts on goal compared with 9 for Spain — but could not convert their chances.
- Spanish goalkeeper Cata Coll was pivotal: she made multiple crucial saves, particularly early on, denying Germany’s forwards and keeping Spain in the tie.
- Germany came close several times — including a strike from Klara Bühl that hit the post and a clearance off the line — but found themselves thwarted by both defence and woodwork.
- A chance for Spain came early in the second half when Esther González hit the post, showing that despite a defensive setup, Spain could also threaten on the break.
Bronze medal match (France x Sweden, 2:1)
- The new coach of the Swedish national team, Tony Gustavsson, surprised everyone with an unusual lineup. Instead of the usual strikers Fridolina Rolfö and Stina Blackstenius, he opted for young blood—Felicia Schröder and Monica Jusu Bah. However, he replaced them at halftime.
- France’s first goal came via a controversial penalty — awarded after Sweden goalkeeper Anna Sandberg fouled Kadidiatou Diani just before halftime; the penalty decision sparked debate among commentators.
- Earlier in the match, Sweden’s goal came from substitute Stina Blackstenius in the second half, giving hope of a draw before the late heartbreak.
- The deciding goal came when French defender Griedge Mbock was last to touch the ball in the box after the corner. The defeat marks Sweden’s third consecutive loss under coach Tony Gustavsson — a run that increases pressure ahead of the return leg and upcoming fixtures.
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