Aitana Bonmatí rose to be the woman of the evening on Wednesday night. The star player shot Spain past Germany into the European Championship final in the 113th minute, while she was in the hospital with meningitis 3.5 weeks ago.
Spain and Germany were evenly matched in the semi-final. After 90 minutes it was still 0-0, after which extra time had to be used. Hardly any chances were created in that, until Bonmatí surprised the German keeper Ann-Katrin Berger with a brilliant low shot into the near corner.
“The goal went exactly according to plan,” said Bonmatí afterwards. “The goalkeeper coach had told me that Berger makes certain movements and sometimes leaves the first post free. That was exactly what happened.”
Without hesitation, Bonmatí shot the ball against the ropes. “I really didn’t want it to come down to penalties. It was now or never. When the ball flew in, I didn’t know where to look. It was so special.”
Thanks to the goal from the two-time Ballon d’Or winner, world champion Spain is in a European Championship final for the first time. “It is very nice that I can help the team write history. Scoring in a match like this is very special for me.”
Bonmatí recovered miraculously quickly
A little over a month ago, 27-year-old Bonmatí seemed to have to fear for her European Championship participation. The midfielder was admitted to hospital 3.5 weeks before the start of the tournament with meningitis, but recovered miraculously well from her illness.
“I could almost write a book about it,” said Bonmatí. “Sometimes things turn around, and you get good news. I want to thank everyone for the support I have received.”
Spanish national coach Montserrat Tomé was also happy for Bonmatí. “She has not had an easy start to the tournament, but she has still managed to overcome her health problems. She has a special character to perform at the highest level at the right time.”
In the final, top favorite Spain awaits a cracker against title holder England of Sarina Wiegman on Sunday at 6 p.m. “Now we can enjoy this achievement for a while, but from tomorrow we have to think about England,” Bonmatí concluded.