Lorraine Williamson
A dramatic 24 hours of football has set the stage for a thrilling UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 final, with Spain and England booking their places after high-stakes, tension-filled semi-finals in Switzerland.
England leave it late amid controversy
On Tuesday night in Geneva, England edged out Italy in a rollercoaster semi-final that will be remembered as much for its last-minute drama as for its football.
Barbara Bonansea gave Italy the lead in the 33rd minute, finishing confidently after a quick break forward. England struggled to find rhythm, and as the match ticked deep into injury time, the Lionesses looked to be heading out of the tournament.
But with 10 minutes of stoppage time added, England clawed their way back. Teenage forward Michelle Agyemang seized a moment of hesitation in the Italian defence to slot home an equaliser in the dying minutes, sending the match into extra time.
As the pressure mounted and both teams tired, the prospect of penalties loomed. Then came the moment that changed everything.
Deep into extra time, England’s Beth Mead and Italy’s Severini collided off the ball in the penalty area. The contact was minor, and the incident had no bearing on the play, yet the referee pointed to the spot. Italy were furious.
Chloe Kelly stepped up, saw her initial effort saved—but reacted quickest to bury the rebound. It was enough. Despite four minutes of added time, Italy couldn’t respond. England were through. The final whistle sparked elation for the Lionesses—and outrage from the Italian camp, who made no secret of their displeasure over the penalty decision.
Spain edge Germany with extra-time brilliance
Just 24 hours later in Zurich’s Letzigrund stadium, Spain faced Germany in what proved to be a tight and tactical battle.
Both teams entered the pitch with eyes on history. Spain had never reached a Women’s Euro final before, while Germany were chasing another chapter in their storied legacy.
The match was a chess game of possession, pressing, and patience. Despite high intensity, neither side could find the breakthrough in 90 minutes. Extra time followed—and with it, a shift in momentum.
In the second period of extra time, it was Spain’s Aitana Bonmatí who finally made the difference. Linking up beautifully with midfielder Vicky López and set up by a deft assist from club teammate Olga Carmona, Bonmatí broke free and calmly finished to give La Roja a deserved lead.
Germany had no answer. Spain held firm, and as the final whistle blew, their players collapsed in joy. A first-ever Euro final was now within reach. Having lifted the Women’s World Cup in 2023 and the Nations League in 2024, Spain now stand on the brink of a historic treble.
Final countdown: England v Spain
The final in Basel this Sunday will see England, the 2022 champions, take on reigning world champions Spain in a clash of styles, philosophies and footballing ambition.
Spain’s fluid, technical brilliance will meet England’s physical grit and tactical discipline. But both teams arrive with questions. Can Spain maintain their composure under pressure? Can England thrive without controversy?
Whatever the outcome, fans can expect a high-stakes match between two of the world’s elite teams, each chasing history under the floodlights of Europe’s biggest stage.
As for me, I’ll be glued to the screen on Sunday—this is the final we’ve all been waiting for, and I honestly can’t wait.