Germany defied the odds and produced a remarkable performance to beat France in a dramatic penalty shootout, securing a place in the semi-finals of the ongoing UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 despite playing with 10 players for over 100 minutes.
The eight-time European champions were forced to dig deep after Kathrin Hendrich was sent off in the 13th minute for a moment of madness—pulling France’s Griedge Mbock by the hair in the penalty box, a decision confirmed following a VAR check.
Grace Geyoro converted the resulting penalty to give Les Bleues an early lead, but Germany responded with resilience and grit, Sjoeke Nüsken levelling with a deft glancing header to send the sides into half-time at 1-1.
Resilient and Relentless
With a player advantage, France dominated possession but were unable to capitalize. Germany remained resolute at the back, marshalled by a heroic performance from goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger, who pulled off a string of crucial saves throughout regular time and extra time.
Delphine Cascarino had a goal ruled out for offside just before the break, and Grace Geyoro thought she had restored France’s lead in the second half, only for the goal to be chalked off again—Maëlle Lakrar was adjudged to be offside in the build-up.
Germany could have completed a sensational comeback in normal time when Nüsken was handed a chance from the penalty spot, after Jule Brand was brought down by Selma Bacha. However, the Chelsea midfielder failed to convert, firing straight at French keeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin.
Shootout Drama
After 120 minutes of intense, end-to-end football, it was Germany who held their nerve in the penalty shootout, converting six of their seven spot-kicks.
Berger emerged as the hero once more, producing two huge saves to deny Amel Majri and Alice Sombath, with the latter stop sealing a dramatic 6-5 shootout victory.
The German players sprinted to embrace their keeper, while head coach Christian Wück hailed the fighting spirit of his squad, who will now face world champions Spain in the semi-final on Wednesday at Stadion Letzigrund in Zurich.
Main Talking Point: Hendrich’s Moment of Madness
Having already played with 10 players in a group-stage loss to Sweden, Germany were left stunned by Kathrin Hendrich’s early dismissal, an act of recklessness that could have cost them dearly. The decision, which initially puzzled fans, sparked fury in the stands and created a hostile atmosphere for much of the night.
Yet Germany channeled that anger into determination, showcasing a level of discipline, mental fortitude, and tactical brilliance that ultimately carried them through one of the most dramatic quarter-finals in recent Euro history.
What’s Next
Germany’s reward is a high-stakes semi-final against Spain, the reigning world champions, in Zurich. With momentum and morale on their side, and a heroic performance already under their belt, the eight-time champions are daring to dream once again.