In a quarterfinal clash brimming with drama, passion, and sheer determination, Germany’s women’s football team scripted an unforgettable comeback against France, holding them to a 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time, and eventually triumphing 6-5 in a tense penalty shootout.
The match, played on Saturday, proved to be one of the most emotionally charged contests of Euro 2025, thanks largely to the brilliance of German goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger, whose heroics under pressure earned her a place in tournament folklore.
Early Setback, Red Card, and Gritty Fightback
The match began on a nightmarish note for the Germans. Just 13 minutes into the game, midfielder Kathrin Hendrich was shown a straight red card for an off-the-ball foul, pulling the ponytail of France captain Griedge Mbock inside the penalty area.
After a VAR check confirmed the infringement, France was awarded a penalty, which Grace Geyoro confidently converted by smashing the ball down the middle, silencing a passionate German crowd behind the goal.
Despite being reduced to 10 players for the second consecutive match—Germany had played a man down against Sweden in their group stage finale—the team displayed incredible resolve. Within just ten minutes of conceding,
Sjoeke Nüsken pulled Germany level with a stunning header. Racing to the near post to meet a Klara Bühl corner, she flicked the ball with precision into the far side of the net, reinvigorating her side and the crowd.
Missed Chances and Intense Tactical Battle
France, now with a numerical advantage, struggled surprisingly to assert control. Though they did find the net twice more in open play, both goals were ruled out for offside, adding to their mounting frustration.
Germany, undeterred and disciplined, kept their structure and waited for opportunities to strike on set pieces and counters. In the second half, fortune seemed to smile on them when Selma Bacha fouled Jules Brand inside the area, gifting Germany a penalty.
But France’s goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin dived at full stretch to deny Nüsken her second goal and preserve the stalemate.
The contest intensified in extra time, with fatigue setting in on both sides. Germany nearly handed France a freak goal when a back-header from captain Janina Minge forced Berger into action. In what was possibly the save of the tournament,
Berger reacted instinctively to claw the ball away from crossing the line using one hand — a breathtaking moment that preserved Germany’s hopes.
France came inches away from a winner when Melvine Malard unleashed a thunderous shot from distance that rattled the crossbar with seconds left in the match. But with no more goals in extra time, it all came down to penalties.
Shootout Drama and Goalkeeper Glory
As the teams lined up for the penalty shootout, the tension inside the stadium reached its peak. Berger set the tone immediately, saving the first penalty from Amel Majri. Germany then suffered a setback of their own when Sara Däbritz hit the bar, keeping the scores level.
In a rare moment of versatility, Berger herself stepped up to take Germany’s fifth penalty and struck it cleanly into the net, leaving her opposite number helpless. Moments later, she would deliver once more, diving to save Alice Sombath’s final penalty attempt, sealing the match for Germany and sparking euphoric celebrations.
Germany’s Spirit and Determination
Speaking after the thrilling victory, Germany coach Christian Wück was overwhelmed with pride.
“Everyone was in each other’s arms. Everyone was celebrating. Everyone was happy that this hard-fought performance led us to victory,” Wück said.
“I can only say it again and again: I’m so proud of the team for the way they took on this challenge. That was incredible.”
The win not only pushes Germany into the semifinals, where they will face World Cup champions Spain on Wednesday in Zurich, but it also keeps alive their dream of securing a record-extending ninth European Championship title.
France’s Quarterfinal Curse Continues
For France, the defeat adds another painful chapter to their recurring struggles in the later stages of major tournaments. The team has now been knocked out in the quarterfinals in seven of their last nine World Cup or European Championship campaigns.
Despite the heartbreak, France coach Laurent Bonadei, who took over in August, remained philosophical.
“I don’t think we have a psychological problem. We have opponents of quality, and it gets harder and harder,” he said.
“But I think my players gave us hope. Rome wasn’t built in a day.”