Ann-Katrin Berger pulled off a shocking closing save as Germany beat France 6-5 in a penalty shootout to arrange a Euro 2025 semifinal showdown with world champions Spain after a bruising encounter that ended 1-1 after further time.
The Germans pulled off a shocking comeback from a purpose down and a straight pink card for defender Kathrin Hendrich after 13 minutes, battling their method again into the sport and ultimately getting the higher of their opponents in an exciting shootout.
Gotham FC goalkeeper Berger was — unsurprisingly — named participant of the match, however she was fast to deflect the reward for her show onto her teammates.
“I used to be not joyful that we needed to go to a penalty shootout, however I believe, I did my a part of the sport now,” Berger mentioned. “As a result of the workforce, in 120 minutes, they labored extremely onerous and I believe that each one the credit score ought to go to the workforce, not me.
“Perhaps it was the decisive second within the penalty shootout, however everybody right here ought to discuss concerning the efficiency of the workforce as a result of that was wonderful and unbelievable.”
Hendrich was despatched off after a VAR evaluate established that she had pulled the hair of Griege Mbock Bathy within the field, and Grace Geyoro’s subsequent penalty had the ability to recover from the road regardless of Berger getting a powerful hand to it.
On the ropes and struggling, the Germans abruptly levelled, Sjoeke Nuesken catching the defence napping by darting in the direction of Klara Buehl’s near-post nook and flashing a header into the web within the twenty fifth minute.
With the well-organised Germans defending doggedly, France had two objectives dominated out for offside and Nuesken had a second-half penalty saved, and neither facet managed to attain in further time.
“For big elements of the sport, you would not discover we have been one (participant) much less. I’m extremely proud,” Germany captain Janina Minge mentioned of her facet’s resilient comeback. “I’ve to say, the followers have been unbelievable. I do not know if I’ve ever skilled something like that. You could possibly see that we’re prepared for one thing large.”
The sport went to penalties, and Berger bought the shootout off to a fantastic begin for the Germans by saving from Amel Majri, however they have been introduced again to degree pegging when Sara Daebrtiz struck her spot kick off the crossbar and over the purpose.
Berger, a most cancers survivor who sports activities a tattoo to cowl up a scar from her remedy that claims “All we’ve got is now,” then fired residence from the spot herself earlier than diving to her left to disclaim Alice Sombath, sending the Germans by means of to the final 4.
England face Italy within the different semi-final on Tuesday.
“We all know we would achieved the toughest factor by opening the scoring towards a workforce diminished to 10 [players]. Penalties are troublesome, we all know that, and it is a disgrace for Alice as a result of she’s younger and studying. You additionally should take your hat off to Germany,” dejected France coach Laurent Bonadei mentioned.