The China Mail - Putellas and Spain eager to end Germany hoodoo in Women's Euro semi-final

"We are really happy to be in this position. We go into the game full of hope and of course with confidence in ourselves," Putellas told reporters in Zurich on the eve of the semi-final clash.

Having won the World Cup in 2023, Spain are now looking to add a first European Championship title and confirm their status as the dominant side in international women's football.

While Spain have never been European champions, Germany have a record eight continental crowns and were the leading force in the women's game in the first decade of this century.

"We know Germany are one of the best teams in the world and that it will be very difficult, but we will try to get to our first Euro final first of all -- that would be a big success," said Putellas.

Spain have never beaten Germany, notably losing when the teams met in the group stage of the 2019 World Cup and at the last Euros in 2022.

Germany also came out on top in the bronze medal match at last year's Olympics, but Putellas dismissed suggestions that Wednesday's clash would be about revenge for that.

"Personally I see it more as an opportunity for us rather than it being about revenge for the Olympics," said the former Ballon d'Or winner.

"The Olympics is a totally different competition. I think we all agree that a Euro or World Cup is a different context altogether so you can't compare them.

"But yes we lost against them, and now we have the chance to beat them for the first time."

She added: "We know it will be a very difficult game like any semi-final in a major tournament but we are fully motivated to keep advancing and make more history."

Spain are without centre-back Laia Aleixandri due to suspension, while Sjoeke Nuesken and Kathrin Hendrich are banned for Germany, the latter following her red card in the quarter-final win over France on penalties.

Sarai Linder is injured after coming off early on in that game.

"Everyone knows what Spain are like. We are going to have to run a lot and suffer a lot because they are going to have more of the ball," admitted Germany coach Christian Wueck.

C.Fong--ThChM