In a quarter-final for the ages, Germany showcased extraordinary grit and determination to eliminate France on penalties after a dramatic 1–1 draw in Basel. Reduced to ten players just 11 minutes in after Hendrich’s red card for pulling Mbock’s hair, Germany fought with heart, defended with discipline, and were led by a sensational performance from goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger.
Despite France having two goals rightly ruled out by VAR, dominating possession, and creating pressure throughout, they couldn’t break down Germany’s resilient back line. And when it mattered most, Berger made magical saves, including two in the shootout, to send Germany into the semi-finals of EURO 2025. Read our full match report on France vs. Germany here.
Match Highlights
- Early drama as Germany’s Hendrich was sent off for pulling Mbock’s hair in the box. France were awarded a penalty, which Geyoro converted.
- NĂĽsken equalized for Germany with a powerful header from a BĂĽhl corner.
- Germany had a chance to take the lead when Brand was fouled by Bacha in the box, but Nüsken’s penalty was saved by Peyraud-Magnin.
- With the score level after 120 minutes, the match went to a penalty shootout. Ann-Katrin Berger made two crucial saves to send Germany into the semi-finals.
- Player of the match: Ann-Katrin Berger.
- Attendance: 34128
Nightmare start for Germany
The UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 encounter between France and Germany opened in dramatic fashion, with early injuries, a red card, and a tightly contested scoreline setting the tone for a fiery Group Stage clash.
Germany’s evening started in the worst possible way. Just minutes in, defender Linder went down following a collision with a teammate, forcing her to receive treatment on the sidelines. With Linder off the pitch and visibly emotional, Germany were reduced to ten players for nearly five minutes. Despite the early setback, the German side held firm and even pushed forward through Sjoeke Nüsken and Klara Bühl, though a shot from Hoffmann missed the target.
Linder eventually returned, Germany’s only natural right-back option with Gwinn already sidelined due to an MCL injury, but her stay on the pitch was short-lived.
In the 11th minute, chaos struck. A VAR check revealed that Hendrich had pulled Mbock’s hair in the box. The referee didn’t hesitate: straight red card for Hendrich and a penalty awarded to France. Geyoro calmly converted the spot-kick, sending France into an early lead despite German goalkeeper Berger getting a hand to the shot.
Linder was subsequently subbed off for Kleinherne as Germany reshuffled their back line under pressure.
France Control, But Germany Hits Back
Playing with a numerical advantage, France controlled possession, but Germany showed resilience and tactical discipline. The French side struggled to break into the final third, while Germany capitalized on set pieces and isolated counterattacks. Their effort was rewarded when Bühl delivered a pinpoint corner to Nüsken, who escaped her marker, Élisa De Almeida, and powered a header past Peyraud-Magnin to level the score at 1–1.
Just before halftime, France thought they had restored their lead. A beautifully constructed attack ended with Geyoro delivering an excellent cross into the box, where Delphine Cascarino finished with a stylish backheel past Berger. However, the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR review.
Late First-Half Battles and Defining Duels
France’s Bacha and Germany’s Brand engaged in a spirited battle down the flank, with Bacha coming out on top in most duels, at least in the eyes of the referee. Germany had one final push before the break, sending Hoffmann through on goal. She collided with Peyraud-Magnin, but both players were able to continue.
The half ended with a crucial defensive intervention from Minge, who timed a sliding tackle perfectly to cut out Katoto’s dangerous cross, preserving the 1–1 scoreline heading into halftime.
Second half: Resilient Germany Force Extra Time
Both sides returned from the break unchanged, but the intensity quickly ramped up. Germany’s Jule Brand, deployed in an unusually defensive role, earned a yellow card after a foul on Diani, but continued to impress with her work rate and positioning under pressure.
Hoffmann remained tireless for Germany, covering every blade of grass as her side looked to manage the physical toll of playing with ten since the 13th minute.
Geyoro Goal Ruled Out by VAR
France appeared to regain the lead after Geyoro found the net following two heroic saves from Germany goalkeeper Berger. However, jubilation quickly turned to frustration as the VAR review found Lakrar in an offside position during the build-up. The goal was disallowed, a second French strike chalked off by technology on the night.
Despite the setback, France maintained their momentum. Delphine Cascarino was electric down the right wing, delivering dangerous crosses into the box. Germany struggled to clear their lines, but held firm thanks in part to Brand’s excellent defensive contributions.
Missed Opportunity from the Spot
France made the first change of the half, bringing on Sandy Baltimore for Diani. Not long after, Germany were handed a golden opportunity to take the lead when Brand was fouled in the box by Selma Bacha. It was a soft challenge, but enough for the referee to point to the spot.
Sjoeke Nüsken stepped up, but her penalty was saved by Peyraud-Magnin, continuing what’s been called the EURO 2025 penalty curse, as missed spot-kicks have plagued several teams this tournament.
Moments later, NĂĽsken received a yellow card for a foul on Sakina Karchaoui, meaning she will miss a potential semi-final if Germany advance.
Fatigue Sets In, But Germany Stand Tall
France continued to rotate their squad, making a fourth substitution as they pushed for a late winner. In contrast, Germany head coach Christian WĂĽck held off on changes, seemingly aiming to conserve every ounce of energy for extra time after playing more than 80 minutes with a player down.
Eight minutes of stoppage time were added, and France threw everything forward. Momentum briefly swung their way, but Germany showed immense willpower, with players like Hoffmann visibly running on empty. Yet they held the line, defending with discipline and heart.
Germany Hold On in Extra Time to Force Penalties
Extra time began with France firmly in control, dominating possession but still unable to break through Germany’s outstanding defensive line. Ann-Katrin Berger played a key role, stepping up as a sweeper-keeper to cover the extra space left by Germany’s red card in the first half.
Germany finally made their first post-injury substitution, with Lea SchĂĽller replacing the tireless Hoffmann, who had run herself into the ground leading the frontline alone.
Berger to the rescue
The most dramatic moment came when a header from Germany’s Minge nearly resulted in an own goal, but Berger reacted brilliantly to claw the ball off the line, earning treatment for her efforts after a spectacular save.
The second half of extra time followed a similar pattern, with France pushing and Germany defending with grit. Tactics became complicated when Kett was injured and couldn’t continue, temporarily reducing Germany to nine players before Cerci could come on.
In the closing minutes, Germany brought on Linda Dallmann and Sara Däbritz for one final push, but neither side could find a winner.
Germany Triumph on Penalties in Dramatic Finish
In the shootout, Ann-Katrin Berger became Germany’s hero, saving penalties from Majri and Sombath to give her side the edge. France converted through Karchaoui, Baltimore, Jean Francois, and N’dongala, but it wasn’t enough.
Germany were nearly flawless from the spot. Goals from Minge, Dallmann, Knaak, Berger herself, Bühl, and Nüsken sealed the win, after Däbritz miss was ultimately inconsequential.
Germany advance to the semi-finals after a 1–1 draw and a 6–5 victory on penalties, completing one of the most resilient performances in Women’s EURO history.
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