In years to come, Germany fans will talk about this game against Spain in Kaiserslautern. Not because of how they won it or how impressive Spain were, but because of how truly incredible it was they didn't win.

Whether it was the woodwork,  Spanish goalkeeper Cata Coll, bad luck or their own lack of composure in front of goal, Germany somehow failed to convert any of their 15 shots into goals. In perhaps their most dominant display under head coach Christian Wück, Germany were left scratching their heads at how this game ended goalless.

"We are frustrated with this 0-0 draw. I would almost say it's a bit unlucky because we created so many chances and we hit the woodwork three or four times so we are a bit disappointed that we couldn't win today," Rebecca Knaak said afterwards.

Germany had 15 shots to Spain's three and other than one 15-minute spell in the second half during which Spain hit the corner of the bar, the visitors were a shadow of their usual selves. Wück's team sent a message with their performance, but also revealed a frailty with their inability to convert their dominance to the scoreboard.

It's only been four months since Germany last played Spain. And in that time, they've only played twice - beating France over two legs to make this Nations League final. Perhaps that is why Germany started this game in Kaiserslautern with such intensity. Intent on revenge, Christian Wück's made Spain feel uncomfortable early on, pinning their opponents inside their own half and forcing them into uncharacteristic errors. Germany could have been ahead inside the opening six minutes. By halftime, it was difficult to explain how they weren't leading by more than one. Somehow, the hosts managed to convert none of the four major chances they created for themselves in a remarkable six first-half minutes. In the second half, more drama followed as Bayern Munich's Klara Bühl hit the post as Germany couldn't find a way to score.

"I think very few people in Germany could have imagined we would have played so dominantly," Wück said afterwards. "I see it as proof of how much we have developed."

Indeed, the coach's aggressive game plan was bolder than four months ago. In Switzerland, Germany absorbed Spain's enormous amount of possession and looked to pounce on the break. This time, even after the break, even when it looked like Spain might make Germany pay for their poor composure, it was Wück's side that were setting the tone. They were showing the way. And yet, in even more remarkable fashion than that semifinal, Germany failed to make their dominance count.

"I have said it enough but we need to convert out quantity into quality," Wück added.

Revenge not on the menu

After that semifinal defeat four months ago, Wück delivered a passionate speech calling for more improvement and investment in the women's game so that the women's game in Germany and his young team could take the next step. Since then, actions have followed those words as the German Football Association (DFB) announced in late October a €100 million ($117 million) investment, specifically to accelerate the professionalization of the Women's Bundesliga. It's the largest single investment in the history of women's football in Germany, and in Kaiserslautern the intent this team displayed proved how long overdue that backing is.

"Our team unity is exceptional, and it has been that way the whole time, and our football has developed too. And we are starting to put into action a lot of what we learned during the Euros," Knaak said afterwards.

The performance felt even more powerful in the context of this week. The United Nations 'Orange The World' campaign began annually on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25 and runs until December 10, International Human Rights Day. Ahead of the game in Kaiserslautern, Germany's women warmed up wearing t-shirts with "Orange The World" on display. Last year, the team were also active in supporting the movement, delivering a moving video that saw players reveal the truth of statements by crossing out words. With one in three women in Germany today experiencing violence, the issue remains alarming and certainly Germany's best female players cannot be expected to force structural change to society. Their continued support as leading role models is significant though.

As is this momentum. Now Germany have to seize it, and then the title and a whole world of exciting opportunity will be theirs.

Edited by: Louis Oelofse