Ten-Woman Germany Edge France in Dramatic Penalty Shootout to Reach Euro 2025 Semifinals

Germany booked their place in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 semifinals after a gritty performance saw them overcome France 6-5 in a tense penalty shootout on Saturday, following a 1-1 draw after extra time. Reduced to 10 players early in the match, the Germans showed resilience and determination to earn a last-four clash with reigning world champions Spain.

Goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger was the hero of the night at St. Jakob-Park, saving penalties from Amel Majri and Alice Sombath in the shootout. Her decisive stops capped a gutsy display from Germany, who played with a numerical disadvantage for over 105 minutes.

“I did my part, but the team deserves all the credit,” said Berger after the match. “They fought for 120 minutes with heart and discipline. It was an incredible performance.”

The match began in chaotic fashion for Germany, who lost Kathrin Hendrich in the 13th minute after she was shown a straight red card for pulling Griedge Mbock’s hair in the box. Grace Geyoro converted the resulting penalty to give France an early lead.

Despite the setback, Germany quickly equalized. Sjoeke Nüsken made amends for her later missed penalty by heading home a Klara Bühl corner just 10 minutes after France’s opener, sending the large German contingent in the stands into celebration.

France struggled to capitalize on their numerical advantage, having two goals disallowed for offside — one by Delphine Cascarino before halftime and another by Geyoro in the second half, ruled out after Maëlle Lakrar was adjudged to have impeded Berger.

In a bruising contest that saw both sides tire in the heat, Germany remained compact and resolute, frustrating the French attack. Nüsken had the chance to give Germany the lead in normal time, but her 69th-minute penalty was poorly taken and comfortably saved by France’s Pauline Peyraud-Magnin.

Extra time provided more drama as Germany nearly scored an own goal, with Berger pulling off a spectacular reflex save to deny Janina Minge’s misdirected header. Melvine Malard nearly won it for France at the death, rattling the crossbar with a powerful shot just before the whistle.

With the scores level, the match went to penalties, and it was Berger’s moment to shine. Her saves sealed an unlikely win for Germany, who remain unbeaten against France in major summer tournaments.

Germany will now face Spain in Zurich on Wednesday for a place in the final. Despite missing several key players due to injury and suspension, the eight-time European champions have shown they remain a formidable force.