Germany Stuns France in Euro 2025 Thriller After Berger Heroics

Ten-player German side prevails in dramatic penalty shootout

A remarkable display of resilience saw Germany overcome the odds against France to secure a place in the Euro 2025 semi-finals. Goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger delivered a truly legendary save amidst a match filled with extraordinary drama, including a controversial early red card, VAR interventions, and penalty decisions.

Early Setback and Determined Response

Germany’s path to victory was immediately made arduous in the 13th minute when Kathrin Hendrich received a straight red card for a foul inside the penalty area. French midfielder Grace Geyoro converted the subsequent penalty, becoming France’s all-time leading scorer in Women’s European Championships. Despite being a player down, Germany fought back tenaciously. Their defensive grit was rewarded when Sjoeke Nüsken headed home an equalizer from a corner, leveling the score and setting the stage for a grueling contest.

VAR Controversy and Missed Chances

France had chances to regain the lead, but two goals were disallowed for offside, one of which was confirmed by VAR. The French team’s attacking pressure was met with stout German defending, limiting their clear-cut opportunities despite the numerical advantage.

Germany was awarded a penalty midway through the second half after Jule Brand was fouled. However, French goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin saved Nüsken‘s effort, denying Germany the lead and adding to the match’s tension.

Berger’s Save Steals the Show

The match remained deadlocked through extra time, forcing a penalty shootout. The defining moment arrived with a save for the ages from Ann-Katrin Berger. In the first 15 minutes of extra time, Berger executed an astonishing backward, one-handed stop to deny an own goal from her teammate Janina Minge, clawing the ball off the line when it seemed destined to cross. Her brilliance continued in the shootout, where she made two crucial saves, including the decisive one against Alice Sombath, to secure Germany’s progression. Berger herself also converted a penalty.

“All the credit should go to the team, not me. Everybody here should talk about the performance of the team.”

—Ann-Katrin Berger, Germany Goalkeeper

Berger‘s incredible save has been lauded as one of the greatest in European Championship history. This victory marks another quarter-final exit for France in recent Women’s Euros campaigns, extending their wait for a major trophy. France’s coach, Laurent Bonadei, acknowledged Germany’s strong defensive performance, stating, Germany deserves their qualification because they defended very well.

Looking Ahead

Germany’s reward for their heroic victory is a semi-final clash with world champions Spain in Zurich. The team’s exceptional mental fortitude and defensive solidarity, particularly with ten players, have propelled them to this stage of the tournament.