Ann-Katrin Berger delivered one of the greatest goalkeeping performances in European Championship history as 10 player Germany stunned France 6–5 on penalties to reach the semi-finals of Euro 2025 on Saturday night in Basel.
Germany were reduced to 10 players in the 13th minute when Kathrin Hendrich was sent off for pulling Griedge Mbock’s hair inside the box.
The foul resulted in a penalty, which Grace Geyoro calmly converted to give France the lead.
With a numerical advantage and 73 percent possession, Les Bleues looked set to take control.
But Germany refused to back down. Sjoeke Nüsken equalised shortly after the opener with a glancing header that sparked belief among the German players.
Christian Wück’s side defended with discipline and heart, holding off waves of French pressure to take the tie into extra time and eventually to penalties.
At the heart of that effort was Berger. The 34-year-old made nine saves during regular and extra time, including a fingertip stop to deny Delphine Cascarino and a sharp reaction save to prevent an own goal from Janina Minge.
Her performance was capped in the shootout as she saved from Amel Majri and then from Alice Sombath to send Germany through.
Despite having more of the ball and the extra player, France could not make it count.
They had two goals ruled out for offside and were often let down by poor final balls and hesitant finishing. In contrast, Germany were clinical and composed when it mattered most.
It was a remarkable comeback for Berger, who had been criticised after Germany’s heavy loss to Sweden in the group stage.
In Basel, she was unshakable under pressure and answered every question thrown at her.
Germany will now face world champions Spain in the semi-final on Wednesday 23 July at 21:00 WAT in Zurich.
For France, it is a familiar disappointment. This marks their fourth exit at the quarter-final stage, more than any other team in the tournament’s history.
