How Germany's forwards became defenders in heroic France win

Germany had to dig deep after going down to 10 players against France in dramatic quarter-final win

Germany’s Giovanna Hoffmann battles French defender Griedge Mbock. Credit: Uefa/Uefa via Getty Images

A goal apiece from Grace Geyoro and Sjoeke Nüsken, a missed penalty, a save of the tournament and a better penalty shootout later, Germany triumphed over France despite being a player down for 100+ minutes.

The eight-time champions became the first side to come back from a player down in Women’s Euros history.

Germany technically played just a small portion at full strength. Sarai Linder suffered an early injury, spending a good chunk of the opening 10 minutes on the sidelines. When she returned, Kathrin Hendrich decided to maintain parity by committing a red card offence.

France took an early lead from the spot but since then struggled to create good quality chances for the rest of the game. Germany’s equaliser came from a corner, with Nüsken attacking the ball at the near post. The Chelsea midfielder, who will miss the semi-finals, had the opportunity to put the Germans ahead but had her penalty saved in the second half.

Ann-Katrin Berger transcended even superhuman levels of goalkeeping – pulling off incredible saves and carrying Germany over the line in the penalty shootout.