Germany’s goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger was the star of the show as her team knocked France out of the EURO 2025 quarter-finals in a dramatic penalty shootout.
Germany played most of the match with 10 players after Kathrin Hendrich was sent off just 13 minutes in. France took the lead, but Germany fought back to make it 1-1 after extra time.
In the penalty shootout, Berger made two brilliant saves and even scored a penalty herself to help Germany win 6-5 on penalties.
The 34-year-old, who has survived cancer twice, said she lives by the words, “All we have is now.” She made a crucial save during the match to stop an own goal and praised her team for their effort.
“I would have preferred to win in 90 minutes,” she said. “But full credit goes to the team. Everyone gave everything.”
Midfielder Sjoeke Nüsken, who scored in the shootout, called Berger “an amazing goalkeeper” and praised her calmness and smart play.
Germany now move on to face Spain in the semi-finals in Zurich on Wednesday. But Berger isn’t getting ahead of herself.
“We’ll enjoy this win first, then get ready for Spain. We know it will be tough,” she said. “One step at a time.”
