Spectacular Bonmati goal sends Spain into Euro finals

Bonmati (113) If it was anyone else in the world, you might wonder whether she really meant it.

- MIGUEL DELANEY

If it was anyone else in the world, though, Spain probably wouldn’t have even been in that position to score. As it is, the world champions are in their first ever women’s European Championship final, thanks to the genius of Aitana Bonmati.

It wasn’t just about the ingenuity, but the intelligence. Aitana later said that Spain had been studying Ann-Katrin Berger’s movements and how the goalkeeper stepped away from her near post. The playmaker put it exactly where she needed for a 1-0 win over resolute Germany, exactly when it was needed - minutes from the end of extra-time.

So, England face up to a repeat of the 2023 final, from a moment that no other player could possibly hope to repeat. Or maybe even imagine. Even before Aitana drilled the ball inside Berger’s near post, there was the mercurial quality of the turn.

You could actually say Germany had due warning, even if it’s almost impossible to predict what a player as good as this will do. Aitana had nevertheless foreshadowed it with the assist for the crucial goal against Switzerland in the quarterfinal. She had let the ball roll through her legs to flick it in for Athenea del Castillo. Here, Aitana turned and went on and helped herself.

England are going to have to watch for that, except you never know when it's coming. That's the joy of a player like this.