Germany reached the semifinals of the Women’s European Championship after defeating France in a tense penalty shootout. The match ended 1-1 after extra time on Saturday. Germany won 6-5 in penalties, with goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger playing a key role by saving two penalties and scoring one herself.

After the win, Germany’s players celebrated with tears of joy. Coach Christian Wück said, “Everyone was in each other’s arms. Everyone was celebrating; everyone was happy that this hard-fought performance led us to victory. I’m so proud of the team.”

Now, Germany, aiming for a record ninth European title, will face Spain in the semifinals on Wednesday in Zurich.

Early Drama: Hair-Pulling and Red Card

The match took a dramatic turn early when Germany’s Kathrin Hendrich received a red card in just the 13th minute. She was caught pulling the hair of France captain Griedge Mbock, leading to a penalty.

France’s Grace Geyoro scored from the spot to give her team the lead. However, Germany responded quickly. Just 10 minutes later, Sjoeke Nüsken scored with a header to level the score at 1-1.

In the second half, Germany got a chance to take the lead when they earned a penalty. But France goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin stopped Nüsken’s attempt.

Germany Plays Short Again

This was the second straight match where Germany played most of the game with 10 players. In their previous match against Sweden, Carlotta Wamser was sent off before halftime.

This time, the setback came earlier. After a free kick by France, the video assistant referee spotted Hendrich pulling Mbock’s ponytail, leading to her red card.

Geyoro scored her penalty confidently, ignoring the loud boos from Germany fans behind the goal.

However, Germany fought back using set-pieces. Klara Bühl sent in a corner, and Nüsken scored with a clever header.

France’s Missed Opportunities

Even with an extra player, France struggled to dominate. They had two goals ruled out for offside, one before halftime and one after.

Later, Germany got another chance when France’s Selma Bacha fouled Jules Brand, giving away a penalty. But Nüsken missed again, as Peyraud-Magnin saved her second spot kick of the night.

In extra time, Germany’s own defender nearly scored an own goal. Captain Janina Minge’s backward header forced Berger to pull off an incredible one-handed save to keep Germany in the match.

France’s Melvine Malard nearly won it at the end of extra time, but her long-range shot hit the crossbar.

Berger Shines in Shootout

The penalty shootout became a stage for Berger’s heroics. She saved France’s first penalty from Amel Majri. When Germany’s Sara Däbritz missed by hitting the bar, Berger stepped up and scored Germany’s fifth penalty.

Finally, Berger saved again, stopping Alice Sombath’s penalty to secure Germany’s win.

France’s 11-match winning streak ended. Once again, France failed to progress beyond the quarterfinals, repeating a pattern seen in seven of their last nine major tournaments.

France coach Laurent Bonadei said, “I don’t think we have a psychological problem. We have opponents of quality, and it gets harder and harder. But I think my players gave us hope; Rome wasn’t built in a day.”