Germany booked their place in the UEFA Women's Under-17 European Championship final by defeating Spain 4-3 on penalties at Windsor Park. The semi-final remained goalless through 90 minutes before four successful German kicks and a save from Mirja Kropp decided an exacting contest.
Spain controlled much of the early possession, but Germany's compact shape restricted the space available around the penalty area. Iraia Fernandez tried her luck in the opening minutes, while the German side took time to establish a route forward against Spain's patient passing.
The clearest first-half opening arrived shortly before the interval. Rocio Elaine found room on the right side of the area and directed an effort towards goal, only for Laura Ernst to recover and clear from the line. It was a timely intervention in a half otherwise dominated by midfield contests.
Germany showed more attacking ambition after the restart. Victoria Saring advanced on the left and delivered into the box, narrowly beyond Fiona Itgenshorst, while Spain's Angela Galvez lifted a later attempt over the bar from a useful position.
Neither team was able to find the final pass as the match entered its closing stages. Germany lost captain Johanna Hebben to an injury late on and introduced Dana Kessler, but maintained their organisation and ensured the match went directly to a shootout under the tournament format.
Johanna Putzer, Lena Joy Martens, Laura Dafinger and Kessler all converted for Germany. Kropp then stopped Carlota Chacon's penalty, giving her side the advantage before Laia Cabetas sent Spain's final kick over the crossbar.
The outcome completed a demanding route to the final for Sabine Loderer's team, which had topped Group A despite losing its last group match to hosts Northern Ireland. Spain's campaign ended after two group victories and a narrow defeat by France before the last-four meeting.
Germany will return to Windsor Park on Sunday to face France in the final. France reached the decider after its own penalty shootout victory over Norway earlier in the day, leaving the Belfast showpiece between two sides that came through testing semi-finals.
