DFB women looking for revenge: Berger comeback in the final against Spain?

DFB women looking for revenge: Berger comeback in the final against Spain?

On November 27, 2025, the DFB women will face an important challenge: in the final of the Nations League they will face defending world champions Spain. The encounter is seen as revenge for the semi-final exit at the European Championships last summer, where Germany lost 1-0 in extra time to Spain. National coach Christian Wück emphasizes the need to improve defensive work and stop the Spaniards from playing short passes. “It is important to increase efficiency in attack,” said Wück.

There is a big question mark behind the use of goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger. After a canceled flight from the USA, where she won the NWSL with Gotham FC, she returned home, but had not yet trained with the team. Her teammates gave her a warm welcome, but it remains unclear whether she will play in the first leg in Kaiserslautern on Friday. Wück doesn't want to make a decision until shortly before the game.

Berger in focus

Berger has left no doubt in the past that she is considered one of the best goalkeepers. Despite a crucial mistake in the semi-finals of the European Championships, she showed great fighting spirit and admitted that she could have performed better. After surviving two bouts of thyroid cancer, she wrote her impressive story in her book “The Game of My Life”. With 27 international matches for Germany, she is at a crossroads in her career.

“We have to be strong defensively and play a good game,” says vice-captain Janina Minge. She sees the game as a great opportunity to win her first title since the 2016 Olympics. But the DFB women also have to contend with the absences: striker Lea Schüller is missing for family reasons, while Camilla Küver and Sydney Lohmann are out. Rebecca Knaak could be included again after an injury, and Bibiane Schulze Solano was called up.

The duel against Spain

Spain not only topped the FIFA world rankings in 2023, they also won the previous European Championship titles. The pressure on the DFB women is all the more great to send a strong signal in their first meeting since the unfortunate exit from the European Championship. Coach Wück demands that his team approach this explosive game with a lot of passion and aggression. “A strong appearance is essential,” explains Minge, addressing the entire team as it prepares for next Saturday.

The first leg will take place in Kaiserslautern, while the second leg will take place in Madrid on Tuesday. The focus is on solid defensive work and increasing the offensive in order to be able to hold our own against the Spaniards. The team has high goals and wants to inspire the fans with a convincing game. Whether Ann-Katrin Berger can take her place between the posts or not remains an exciting question until shortly before kick-off.