The German hockey women are again in the European Championship final.
The Olympic third won his semi-finals in Amsterdam 4-1 (1-1) against Spain on Friday.
The decision was made by Pia Maertens and Anne Schröder (both 60th minute) with their goals 58 and 33 seconds before the end into the empty goal.
"The result sounds clear, but it was a tough fight," said Cécile Pieper, who had already scored in the third minute.
After the early lead, the Germans gave up control of the game through frivolous ball losses and bad passes. Despite 19 entries in the district, Spain only managed to equalize by Berta Bonastre (13th) by penalty corner. "Something slipped out of our hands, but we came back stronger in the second half," admitted Pieper.
After the restart, Xantal Gine (33rd) missed the empty German goal before Charlotte Stapenhorst (37th) gave away in front of keeper Maria Ruiz.
Sonja Zimmermann (45th) succeeded in the renewed, somewhat happy lead by converting the third penalty corner.
Spain scored three more corners in a row in the closing stages, but could not beat the German defensive team around goalkeeper Julia Sonntag.
The world number three benefited from veteran Franzisca Hauke's 200th international match from two counterattacks when Spain threw everything forward without a goalkeeper.
Opponents in the final on Sunday (12.30 p.m.) are, as in 2019, the Netherlands.
The defending champion had previously prevailed 3-1 (2-0) against Belgium.
"This is a classic, but it will be difficult again," announced Pieper.