‘Tournament team’ Germany now believe they can shock Spain

We refer to it as German mentality.

That is how social media users sum up Germany’s gritty quarter-final victory against France.

After Kathrin Hendrich was sent off and giving Griege Mbock a penalty for pulling her by her hair in the box, they played for more than 100 minutes with ten players.

However, Christian Wuck’s team remained unwavering as they prevented France from imposing penalties and extra time.

When goalkeeper Ann Katrin-Berger saved Alice Sombath’s spot-kick, they advanced to Wednesday’s semi-final against Spain.

In reference to the 1954 men’s World Cup final, when West Germany rallied from two goals down to defeat heavy favorites Hungary in Bern, who had not lost in five years, one German newspaper called it “the miracle of Basel.”

Rebecca Knaak, a German defender, described the performance as the “perfect example of passion and mental strength.”

The team displayed the typical German mentality that has perhaps lost some of its relevance in recent years, according to Sophie Affeldt, a reporter for German television channel Sport1.

Wuck stated before the start of the tournament that “I’m convinced we will have a good competition, but it also depends on luck and staying injury-free.”

In Switzerland, neither Germany nor Germany had a good time.

Giulia Gwinn, their captain, cried just 40 minutes into their opening game against Poland after suffering a serious knee injury that required her to play the rest of the tournament.

In the 31st minute, Gwinn’s right-back replacement Carlotta Wamser was shown a straight red card for a goalline block with her hands against Sweden.

Germany then lost 4-1, with Sweden leading them in Group C.

The German team’s mental strength was frequently questioned during the group stage of the tournament, particularly after their defeat against Sweden, according to Tagesspiegel reporter Charlotte Bruch.

Sarai Linder was replaced in her regular left-back role after just 20 minutes due to an ankle injury, which was followed by Gwinn out and Wamser with a suspension for their game against France.

That we accepted every circumstance as they came along, Knaak said, says a lot about the team.

Germany arrived at Euro 2025 with modest expectations under Wuck’s new leadership, which he assumed in October, and a fresh-faced, young squad.

According to Opta, they had a 15% chance of winning the title, with Spain and England in the top three spots.

Due to the team’s current state of turmoil, Affeldt continued, “Germany weren’t seen as a title favorite.”

Leading players like Alexander Popp have left the national team following the disappointing World Cup in 2023, and there are also some returning faces like Franziska Kett, Rebecca Knaak, or Giovanna Hoffmann.

Bruch explained that concerns were also raised by Germany’s defense and an over-reliance on flair players like Jule Brand and Klara Buhl.

After Germany lost to Sweden, Affeldt claimed fans had “lost faith,” with many believing it had confirmed their pre-tournament doubts.

She continued, “But it has since been rekindled.” Many people now believe that, despite having teams with even better players, it might be possible to win the title.

Bruch acknowledges that there is more faith in Germany’s supporters, adding that, as a result, the country’s belief in winning the title has increased significantly.

Germany is undoubtedly known for their significant success in major tournaments.

The women’s team has won two World Cup victories and has won eight consecutive titles as winners of the European Championship.

Germany or West Germany have won four World Cups and three Euros with the men’s team, which is comparable to their success.

The German team is a “tournament team,” according to Affeldt, who frequently refers to them as “tournament teams.” They tend to play themselves into a flow and advance more and more consistently, especially when it counts.

Bruch continued, “I believe that many German players develop a certain “winner mentality.” Their self-esteem is influenced by the success of the national teams, both men’s and women’s.

However, the nation hasn’t won a significant tournament in men’s or women’s football in more than 11 years.

However, Montse Tome, the head coach of Spain, doesn’t make any references to Germany’s mentality.