Euro 2025 daily newsletter: Day nineteen
Goalkeeper Berger is Germany's hero and sends them through to semi-final against Spain
Germany were reduced to 10 players within the first 13 minutes of the match when Kathrin Hendrich was sent off for a hair pull, a moment of indiscipline which handed France a penalty. Grace Geyoro calmly converted from the spot to give France the lead, but Germany responded quickly – Sjoeke Nüsken headed in from a corner to level the score. It was an incredibly physical match, with an immense total of 50 fouls between both teams.
France scored two more goals, but both were ruled offside, and the French frustration increased as the German defence held firm. A second-half penalty for Germany looked like the golden opportunity, but Nüsken was unable to convert her chance, sending the match into extra time.
Extra time did not provide a match-winning goal, but it did produce an unbelievable save from German goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger who stopped a potential own goal that would have cost them the match. The German resilience continued as they forced France to penalties to decide the winner.
Nüsken redeemed herself by scoring a spot-kick in the shootout, but it was Berger who stole the show and became Germany’s hero. Not only did she make that brilliant save, she stepped up to score her own penalty and saved two of France’s which were enough to send Germany through to the semi-finals. It was even more special given her remarkable journey: she has twice recovered from thyroid cancer and is now rightly receiving her moment of glory. It was a performance that epitomised belief and determination for Germany.
It was heartbreak for France, but Germany continue their Euros excellence and will now play Spain in the second semi-final of the tournament on Wednesday evening.
Read more: Germany reach Euro 2025 semi-finals after stunning penalty shootout in Basel
News
Germany’s Sjoeke Nüsken received a second yellow card in consecutive matches, so she will miss the semi-final.
England’s Esme Morgan says the team is “very optimistic'“ that Leah Williamson will be fit to play on Tuesday’s semi-final after suffering an ankle injury in the last match.
Germany’s Sarai Linder was subbed off after 20 minutes due to an injury.
Grace Geyoro is now the all-time leading scorer for France at a Women’s European Championships.
What’s on this week
The two semi-finals are taking place on Tuesday and Wednesday evening, with the final on Sunday.
Tuesday 22 July - England vs Italy, 20:00 BST - Stade de Genève, Geneva
Wednesday 23 July - Spain vs Germany, 20:00 BST - Stadion Letzigrund, Zurich