Germany have qualified for the women’s football tournament at the 2024 Paris Olympics after a 2-0 victory over the Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League third-place play-off.
Both teams had opportunities in the first half, but it wasn’t until the 66th minute that Klara Buhl opened the scoring with a half-volley that beat Daphne van Domselaar.
Later, substitute Lea Schuller, who saw an earlier goal disallowed for offside, extended Germany’s lead with a strong header from Buhl’s cross.
Germany join Spain as the second European team to secure their place at the Games, after the 2023 World Cup winners qualified with Friday’s 3-0 Nations League semi-final win over Netherlands.
Qualification for the Olympic women’s football tournament was run through the inaugural Women’s Nations League for the first time for Paris 2024. European teams had previously secured their place at the Games via the World Cup.
Two European teams qualify for Paris 2024, in addition to France who automatically participate as hosts. Both finalists of this edition of the Nations League were set to qualify for the Olympics but after France beat Germany in last Friday’s semi-final, Wednesday’s third-place play-off became a winner-takes-all encounter.
Germany have participated at five of the seven Olympic women’s football tournaments, winning three bronze medals and taking gold at Rio 2016.
12 teams will play in the women’s football tournament at the 2024 Games.
Canada are the defending gold medalists after they beat Sweden in the final at Tokyo 2020.
The draw for the women’s and men’s football tournament at this summer’s Olympics takes place in Paris on March 20.
Who else qualified for the Olympics on Wednesday?
The two Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Olympic spots were also decided on Wednesday.
Australia, who have competed in the AFC since 2006 due to the lack of competition in the Oceania Football Confederation, confirmed their place at Paris 2024 with a 10-0 win over Uzbekistan to secure a 13-0 aggregate victory. Forward Michelle Heyman scored five goals across the two legs.
Japan also beat North Korea 2-1 to claim the second AFC qualification spot after the first leg had finished goalless. Defender Hana Takahashi and forward Aoba Fujino scored for the London 2012 silver medalists.
Which teams have already qualified?
- France
- United States
- Brazil
- Colombia
- Canada
- New Zealand
- Spain
- Australia
- Japan
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(Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images)
