Spain had intel on Germany's Berger for winning goal - ESPN

ZURICH, Switzerland — Spain's match-winner Aitana Bonmatí said she knew Germany goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger would leave space at her near post after scoring the goal which sets up a European Championship final against England on Sunday.

Bonmatí struck the winning goal in the 113th-minute as Spain registered their first-ever victory over Germany at the same time as reaching the final of the Euros for the first time in their history.

The midfielder collected a pass inside the area from Athenea del Castillo, spun and then fired inside Berger's near post to send Spain's substitutes hurtling onto the pitch at the Stadion Letzigrund.

«We had analysed [Berger] with the goalkeeping coach and we knew that in these situations she sometimes leaves space at the near post,» Bonmatí said in a news conference after being named the game's MVP.

«Once I turned, I didn't think twice. I just struck the ball with everything I had because I didn't want to go to a penalty shootout.

»When the ball went in, I just started running like crazy. I didn't know where to go. I saw the whole bench on their feet, pouring towards me.

«This goal belongs to all of us, to everyone involved with the team. We all worked hard to experience these moments and what better way than to share it with the group.»

It was a cruel way for Berger's tournament to end. She was sensational against France in the quarterfinal and vital in Germany keeping world champions Spain out for as long as they did, making eight saves.

However, she accepted responsibility for Germany's late defeat.

«I take the blame,» she told reporters. «The near post had to be covered, that's clear. That's why I'm even more disappointed in myself.

»I can make as many saves as I want, but that goal