Germany reach the Semi-Final of EURO2025 after a victory on penalties

Germany survive a chaotic match to beat France 1-1 (6-5) in a penalty shoot out to reach the semi finals of the Women's Euros.

📸via UEFA.com

Both teams started with high intensity as you could see both teams wanted to get to a semi final. 

However it didn't start well for Germany as France had a free kick which was blocked by Hendrich. But then Hendrich was sent off in the 13th minute as she pulled Griedge Mbock by her hair in the box, it was then a penalty to France which Grace Geyoro made no mistake in scoring as she calmly powered it past Berger. Germany now had to play the rest of this match with 10 players. Hendrich’s foolishness allowed France to use their extra player to control the game. 

But despite their disadvantage, Germany responded quickly which saw Sjoeke Nusken equalised with a glancing header to get a sense of belief back into her team, it was then end to end with both teams having chances, with the best chance coming from France which they scored but Delphine Cascarino had a goal ruled out for offside, Germany survived as the first-half ended 1-1. 

However, even though Germany were the better side for certain periods they breathed a sigh of relief as Geyoro goal was ruled out for offside and Berger made a sublime superb save from long range as she then snuffed out Elisa De Almeiads looping effort at the end of normal time. Maelle Lakrar was deemed to be in an offside position leading up to Geyoro goal .Somehow it was still 1-1 and somehow Germany survived.

But then Germany had a penalty after Julie Brand was brought down in the box by Selma Bacha. However, it left Nusken with her head in her hands as she missed to put her side ahead, after she sent her penalty straight at Pauline Peyraud-Magnin. 

Berger having kept France out the bay, She made it brilliant leap to claw out team-mate Janina Minge’s backwards header as it looped towards then net and it would of been a cruel own goal. 

France failed to make their dominance count as they lacked quality with the final ball and Germany’s defence remained defiant. 

However both teams couldn't find a break thorough in extra-time it was then a penalty shoot out. Germany remained composed and slotted six penalties home, France had to score to keep the penalty shootout going. However Berger had other ideas and her show-stopping decisive save meant that Germany won and got through to the semi-final of the Women’s Euros. 

Berger was the star of the show for Germany and kept them in the game massively by making massive saves and saving a penalty at the end. 

What’s Next 

Spain face Germany in Wednesday’s semi-final at 20:00. And Germany will be hoping for the same reliance and belief. They will also be hoping to have all 11 players on the pitch. 

As France exit the competition. However, They will have a chance to get revenge on Germany in October's two-legged Women’s Nations League semi-final.