Spain has reached the Euro 2025 final, yet Captain Irene Paredes displayed a serious expression while addressing the media following their victory over Germany in Zurich last Wednesday.
“Come on, let’s celebrate!” I chimed in as Beaming Katakol, the goalkeeper, recognized the rarity of such moments. Meanwhile, her teammates were outside drumming in excitement.
Unfortunately, this triumph marked the apex of Spain’s summer in Switzerland, as they were ultimately defeated by England in a penalty shootout in Basel on Sunday. Midfielder Aitana Bonmaty, named Player of the Tournament, expressed her shock over the loss, reflecting a collective sentiment among teammates about having to wait another four years for a chance at being European champions.
The reigning World Champions achieved several milestones by reaching the finals at St Jacob Park: their first knockout win in the Euros, their first win against Germany, and their inaugural final appearance. Throughout the tournament, they showcased their best football, winning all five matches and were favorites to beat England, similar to their victorious encounter in the 2023 World Cup final.
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Instead, they returned home empty-handed once more—previously eliminated in the quarterfinals in 2013, 2017, and 2022, with their only other final appearance ending in a semi-final defeat in 1997.
The immediate sentiment was that luck had once again slipped away during the Euros. Three years prior, Alexia Putellas faced a severe injury that led to a quarterfinal exit against England. This time, dominant performances were overshadowed by the harsh realities of penalties.
“We deserved more, but everyone feels that way,” Paredes stated to reporters after the match. “England enjoyed the fortunate moments throughout the tournament; that didn’t come our way.”
Spain controlled over 60% of possession and took 22 shots compared to England’s eight, yet rarely tested goalkeeper Hannah Hampton after Mariona Caldente opened the scoring in the first half. Alessia Russo equalized for England, and after Bonmaty, Caldentai, and Salma Paralaero missed penalties, Chloe Kelly sealed the victory, securing back-to-back Euro titles for England.
“I feel devastated,” Bonmaty remarked. “We were in control for 70 minutes and were the better team. I believe we have the best talent in this tournament.”
This could be linked to the fact that Spain finally received the necessary support for execution.
Since their World Cup victory, significant changes have occurred within the National Team’s setup. This culminated in the forced resignation of former RFEF president Luis Rubiales, which sparked player rebellion and highlighted the need for improved conditions surrounding the team.
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How England won the 2025 Women’s European Championship Final
Summary of the 2025 Women’s European Championship final, where England triumphed 3-1 on penalties against Spain.
ESPN sources indicate that more improvements are necessary, but this tournament was characterized by players concentrating solely on football.
The players appreciated the facilities and support they received, which included meticulous attention to detail at their hotel, the Juan Antonio Samaranch Stadium, and their training base in Lausanne. These arrangements were reported to be a significant improvement compared to prior tournaments.
Additional support staff, including coaches, physiotherapists, and nutritionists, significantly contributed to Spain’s successful run to the finals. One analysis revealed that German goalkeeper Anne Katlin Berger was leaving her position prone to exploitation.
Throughout the day, players had the freedom to explore Switzerland with friends and family, helping them remain fresh and focused.
“I can stand here and answer your questions, and it’s just about football,” Paredes noted. She added, “We’ve made significant progress.” Despite the positive changes, high expectations remain for coach Jorge Vilda and his team to deliver.
“This team is steadily improving,” defender Lia Alexandri stated. “Expectations keep rising; we are the world champions, after all.”
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Bonmatí: Euro loss hurts
Aitana Bonmatí believes Spain was better than England in the Euro 2025 final.
These expectations could lead to challenging questions. With her contract expiring next month, Vilda’s future is uncertain. She combined youthful talent with experience in Switzerland, but this time it fell short, resembling Spain’s fourth-place outcome last summer.
Is it sufficient given the skilled roster at her disposal? It boasts back-to-back Ballon d’Or winners Bonmati and Putellas, along with top talents from Barca and leagues worldwide.
The emergence of younger stars like Vicki Lopez and Claudia Pina stands out, while Paraluelo hopes to regain her form after a tough season.
While veterans like Paredes, Putellas, and González may be nearing the end of their international careers, Spain’s commitment to nurturing talent suggests a bright future and potential trophy wins. The philosophy guiding their women’s, men’s, and youth teams is strong and could lead to sustained success.
However, overcoming major tournament hurdles continues to be a challenge. England coach Sarina Wiegman has demonstrated the ability to consistently win, posing a question for Vilda as well.
This dilemma is one for the RFEF to consider, as it reflects on the journey this team has taken. Spain has never won a knockout match in major finals until their World Cup success in 2023 overcame a previous streak of losses.
Bonmati, who bounced back from viral meningitis to excel in the tournament, owes no apologies. Although the final loss resulted in a quieter atmosphere than anticipated, Spain can still find hope for a change in their Euros fortune.
Editorial Opinion: This story highlights the resilience of the Spanish women’s soccer team and underscores the significant changes within its leadership and environment. For fans, it illustrates both the challenges and potential for future success in women’s soccer, emphasizing the need for continued support and investment in the sport.
