Germany Edges France in Penalty Thriller to Reach Euro 2025 Semi-Finals

Germany secured a place in the Euro 2025 semi-finals after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over France, with the score tied 1-1 after extra time. The match was a hard-fought battle, showcasing the resilience of the German team.

The Germans faced an uphill struggle early on, going down a goal and losing defender Kathrin Hendrich to a straight red card just 13 minutes into the game. Despite the disadvantage, they fought back, eventually prevailing in a thrilling penalty shootout.

France took the lead after a penalty was awarded following a VAR review that confirmed Hendrich had fouled Griedge Mbock Bathy in the box. Grace Geyoro converted the penalty, despite Ann-Katrin Berger getting a hand to the shot. However, Germany responded, with Sjoeke Nuesken equalizing in the 25th minute with a header from a corner.

The match remained tightly contested, with France having two goals disallowed for offside and Nuesken missing a second-half penalty. Berger made a remarkable save, potentially the "save of the tournament," to keep the score level.

With the score still tied after extra time, the game went to penalties. Berger saved France's first penalty, but Germany's Sara Daebrtiz missed her spot kick. Berger, a cancer survivor, then scored her own penalty before making the decisive save to send Germany to the semi-finals.

Germany will now face Spain in the semi-finals. The team's captain, Janina Minge, expressed immense pride in her team's comeback, highlighting the incredible support from the fans. The French coach, Laurent Bonadei, acknowledged the difficulty of the penalties and praised Germany's performance.