Basel, Switzerland (AP) — Being the most skilled and technically best team at the Women’s European Championships wasn’t enough to win Spain on Sunday.
Winners of the 2023 World Cup and 2024 UEFA NATIONS League Title Holder There are no European titles for the great generation since then Penalty shoot out loss to the UK In the final after a 1-1 draw after an extra time.
Spain played just four minutes in six matches throughout the tournament. England played just five minutes in three knockout round games, but not against Spain.
“We were the best team in the tournament, but sometimes that’s not enough,” said Spanish star Aitana Bonmati.
Bonmati collected trophies as the best players in the tournament walking to the trophy ceremony platform.
Bonmaty’s spot kick in the shootout was one of two saved by the English goalkeeper Hannah Hampton. Mariona Caldente saved her penalty, although the head goal in the 25th minute seemed to have put Spain on track for the victory.
Caldente was also close to scoring for the second time in the first half. This scorer, Estelle Gonzalez, had three chances to score.
Earlier in the second half, Caldentay’s Arsenal teammate Chloe Kelly And Alessia Russo combined to level the Russo header score.
“I’m a bit shocked,” Bonmaty said. “It was cruel. We played better and created more chances for scores, but sometimes in football, that’s not enough. It all came down to penalties.”
“I apologize for the mistake,” said Bonmaty, the winner of the two-time Ballon d’Or. Their teammates Caldentie and Alexia Peteras also failed on the spot, winning the 2-0 quarter-finals in Switzerland.
“I think this team is more appropriate. At least they don’t live with this bitter feeling,” Spanish manager Montce Tome said in a translated comment.
“It’s difficult to find something positive right away. It’s a very tough moment,” Spanish captain Irene Paredes said.
“The UK was happy just to reach the penalty, but it didn’t work out in the shootout,” said the Barcelona team, losing to British opponent Arsenal in the women’s Champions League final in May. “To be a champion, you need luck. I think they had that.”
Spain is still the world champion and will soon prepare to begin qualifying for the defense of that title. The 2027 World Cup will be held in Brazil.
“We’re back,” Bonmaty said. “We have the World Cup in a few years. That’s our goal now. This is the golden generation with a lot of young players.”
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