Germany 0-0 Spain: Coll keeps Nations League final level
Cata Coll put in an invaluable performance for Spain as they held Germany to a 0-0 draw in the first leg of the Nations League final.
Germany were made to rue their missed chances as they drew 0-0 with Spain in the first leg of their Nations League final.
The reigning world champions were second best at Fritz-Walter-Stadion, struggling to cope with the speed of Germany's attacks, but a brilliant performance from goalkeeper Cata Coll means Spain can win the competition with a victory in their home leg next week.
Germany made a fast start, with Klara Buhl testing Coll with an effort inside two minutes, but Laia Alexandri almost scored against the run of play when her attempt on goal was cleared off the line.
That was not the only last-ditch clearance in the first half, with Jule Brand also seeing her strike blocked before it crossed the line, while Franziska Kett and Rebecca Knaak both saw shots denied by Coll as Germany controlled proceedings before the break.
The hosts continued to be on the front foot at the start of the second period, with Sjoeke Nusken and Selina Cerci going close, as Spain struggled to make the most of their possession while Germany were happy to play on the counter.
And a quick breakaway almost led to the opening goal when Buhl was played into the opposition half, but the winger's reversed shot from the edge of the box struck the base of the left post before being cleared away.
Germany hit the woodwork again in the 75th minute as Brand's wayward cross landed on the crossbar, to the relief of Coll, but neither side were able to find their desired breakthrough.
Data Debrief: Coll to the rescue
Germany will be disappointed not to take a lead into the second leg, but there were still plenty of positives to take away from their performance.
They produced 1.29 expected goals (xG) from 16 shots, while also holding Spain to seven attempts and 0.69 xG.
Coll made five saves to secure what could be a trophy-winning clean sheet, while Spain failed to win a match for just the third time this year (W13 D1 L2), after defeats to England in the Nations League group stage and the final of the European Championships.
