Women's Nations League third-place play-off: Germany beat Netherlands to qualify for Paris Olympics
- Published
Germany won Olympic gold in 2016, after three consecutive bronze medals in 2000, 2004 and 2008
Germany beat the Netherlands in the Women's Nations League third-place play-off to qualify for this summer's Olympic Games in Paris.
Both sides had first-half chances, but it took until the 66th minute for Klara Buhl to break the deadlock with a half-volley past Daphne van Domselaar.
Substitute Lea Schuller, who earlier had a goal ruled out for offside, doubled Germany's lead with a powerful header from Buhl's cross.
The Olympics start on 26 July.
The two European places at this summer's Games were set to be secured by winning the Nations League semi-finals, but with hosts France already earning their spot as hosts, it offered another chance to the winner of the third-place play-off.
Along with Spain, who won their Nations League semi-final against the Netherlands and beat France in Wednesday's final, reigning champions Canada, the United States, Brazil, Colombia and New Zealand have all already qualified for Paris.
The final two spots will be occupied by African nations, with Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Zambia, Tunisia and Morocco playing their final qualifiers in April.
The Netherlands have only played at the 2020 Games in Tokyo, where they lost to the United States in the quarter-finals.
On missing out on qualification for Paris, captain Sherida Spitse said: "If you look at the match overall, they were better than we were. We have to be honest.
"We didn't create a lot of chances. Lineth [Beerensteyn] was dangerous a few times, but that was it. It was a shame. We gave it all we could, but that wasn't enough.
"It hurts, yet that's part of top sport; winning and losing. But we have European qualifiers to play for next month, so we have to focus on that. And I have no intention of ending my international career. It's the best thing there is, playing for your country."