Final countdown as Spain set up England Euros encounter

Spain's victory on Wednesday (Thursday AEST) set up a repeat of the 2023 World Cup title match against England.

A stubborn performance by Germany had seen them take the world champions to extra time, and Spain needed a superb strike from the two-time Ballon d'Or winner to secure a first ever win over Germany.

"I feel so proud. We deserved this," Bonmati said. 

"We have played a great tournament throughout. We had a hard fight tonight, of course, because we were playing Germany. First to beat Germany and then to advance to the final of the Euros. Who could ask for more?"

In the 113th minute, Athenea del Castillo threaded the ball through to Bonmati, who got past Rebecca Knaak with a clever dummy and turn before squeezing home an audacious attempt from the tightest of angles.

"We had analysed her (keeper Ann-Katrin Berger) with our analysts and our goalkeeping coach and knew that she would leave the near post unprotected, and that is what happened. I just slotted it home," Bonmati said.

Spain moved closer to adding the European Championship trophy to their collection after winning the World Cup and Nations League in the past two years.

Montse Tome's team will face defending champions England on Sunday (local time) in a repeat of the 2023 World Cup final that Spain won 1-0.

England also needed extra time to snatch a 2-1 win over Italy on Tuesday.

It was a miserable end to a stellar tournament for Berger, who had been the hero of Germany's dramatic quarter-final against France.

"I take the blame for that. The near post must be shut, absolutely," Berger said. "That's why I'm even more disappointed in myself.

"I can make as many saves as I want, but that one should have been mine, and that's why I'm incredibly sorry -for the team, not for me, but for those who gave their all." 

Germany were bidding for a record-extending ninth European title, but they were up against the world champions and pre-tournament favourites.

Australian Associated Press