Germany Demonstrates Resilience After Thrilling Quarter-Final Win Against France In Euro 2025

Add as a preferred source on Google

Germany's thrilling penalty shootout victory over France in the Euro 2025 quarter-final is being hailed as one of the nation's top three matches ever. Despite being reduced to 10 players early on, Germany managed to secure a win. Kathrin Hendrick received a red card just 13 minutes into the game for pulling Griedge Mbock's hair, leading to Grace Geyoro scoring from the penalty spot.

Sjoeke Nusken quickly equalised for Germany, though she later missed a penalty. France had two goals disallowed, resulting in a 1-1 draw after extra time. Ann-Katrin Berger was instrumental in the shootout, making two crucial saves and scoring a penalty herself, helping Germany triumph 6-5. This victory sets up a semi-final clash with world champions Spain.

Klara Buhl praised her team's resilience and determination. "I am really proud of the team, we showed a crazy good mentality," Buhl told UEFA. "We believed we could win the game until the end. I am just proud to be part of this team." She expressed her nervousness during her penalty but was determined to take responsibility.

Germany has now reached the Euros semi-finals for the seventh time since the group stage format was introduced in 1997, more than any other nation. In this tournament, they have led for only 82 minutes across four matches, with Switzerland spending even less time in front among teams reaching the knockout stage.

Berger's performance was pivotal, making nine saves during the match, which is among the highest recorded in a Euros knockout-stage game. However, she downplayed her role in their success. "I think credit should go to the team, not me," Berger stated. She emphasised that while her save might have been decisive in the shootout, it was truly a team effort.

Reflecting on their journey so far, Buhl highlighted how playing with one less player for most of the match made their victory even more remarkable. "It's one of the top three [games in Germany's history]. We were 110 minutes with one player less and we go through. That's crazy," she said.

The team's ability to overcome adversity and maintain composure under pressure has been commendable throughout this tournament. Their upcoming match against Spain promises to be another challenging encounter as they aim for further success on this prestigious stage.