Germany reach Euro 2025 semi-finals after stunning penalty shootout in Basel

Ten-women Germany battled to beat France 6-5 on penalties

Ann Katrin-Berger saves Alice Lombath’s penalty. Credit: Uefa/Uefa via Getty Images

From St. Jakob-Park, Basel

Germany progressed to the semi-finals of Euro 2025 after beating France 6-5 in a dramatic penalty shootout in Basel.

Amidst a loud and intimidating atmosphere at St. Jakob-Park, two of the best sides in the competition battled it out in a physically gruelling and pulsating encounter. After over 120 minutes of football, the game ended 1-1 and the tie went to penalties. Germany came out on top, winning 6-5 after France’s Alice Sombath had her penalty saved by Ann-Katrin Berger with the shootout at sudden death.

Given Basel’s location on both the French and German borders, there was always bound to be a divided crowd in attendance but it was the German fans who made themselves heard. The noise took over the stadium just before kick-off, and the intensity bled out onto the pitch.

Within 15 minutes, we had our first flashpoint. France were awarded a penalty for a hair pull on forward Marie Antoinette-Katoto. Initially not picked up by the referee, or anyone in the crowd, the foul was checked by the video assistant referee.

After a brief break to review the footage, it was clear that Kathrin Hendrich had pulled the centre-forward’s hair as a French free-kick was sent into the box.

Referee Tess Olofsson pointed to the penalty spot and sent off Hendrich. Germany were down to 10 players within 15 minutes of the toughest quarter-final clash.

It was the second moment of stupidity from a Germany player in the space of just two games, after Carlotta Wamser was sent off for a handball in Germany’s final group game against Sweden.