Ten-player Germany beat France on penalties to go through to EURO 2025 semi-final against Spain.
A less-than-desirable start for Germany saw Kathrin-Julia Hendrich sent off as Grace Geyoro’s penalty opened the scoring for France. Astonishingly, Sjoeke Nüsken’s huge header put Die Nationalelf back in the game before half-time.
From then on, it was a valiant display from Germany, while France looked underwhelming. It eventually came down to penalties, and Ann-Katrin Berger’s heroics worked their magic.
This decisively dramatic knockout encounter means it is Die Nationalelf who will face Spain in Wednesday’s semi-final.
The Lineups
FRA: Peyraud-Magnin; de Almeida, Mbock, Lakrar, Bacha; Geyoro, Jean-François, Karchaoui; Cascarino, Diani; Katoto
GER: Berger; Linder, Hendrich, Minge, Knaak, Kett; Brand, Senß, Nüsken, Bühl; Hoffmann
The Action
It was a disjointed beginning to the affair for Germany with their only remaining right-back, Sarai Linder, requiring treatment. Things went from bad to worse when Kathrin-Julia Hendrich received a red card after pulling the hair of Griedge Mbock Bathy Nka. The ludicrous ‘challenge’ resulted in a spot kick awarded to France, which was coolly fired home by Geyoro. Germany were both a goal and a player down just 15 minutes in.
The disaster continued when Linder had to take an early leave, but Nüsken was quick to provide hope. The Chelsea player pulled off a colossal headed effort to put away Klara Bühl’s stellar set-piece delivery, drawing the scoreline level in the 25th minute.
The French thought they had reclaimed their lead in the 39th minute, but a clumsy offside position by Delphine Cascarino meant her fantastic finish was fruitless.
The Germans emerged from the break with a point to prove, Jule Brand trying her luck but not quite managing to get the shot off.
Berger made two crucial saves before Grace Geyoro got the better of her, but alas, Geyoro’s brace was chalked off due to Sakina Karchaoui’s interference in the buildup. France continued to press Germany, but the tenacious ten-player side were not going down without a fight, and seemingly had their sights set on a penalty shootout.
After Selma Bacha brought down Brand in the box, it was France’s turn to concede a penalty. Nüsken stepped up, but Pauline Peyraud-Magnin pulled off a pivotal save. Berger was called into action again, too, neither side breaking the deadlock before extra-time.
Down to the wire
French substitute Clara Mateo caused problems for the German backline, but Berger was prepared to intervene. A strong display for the goalkeeper was punctuated by a truly phenomenal save in the 103rd minute to deny Janina Minge’s header and keep Die Nationalelf’s hopes alive.
She may not have gotten on the scoresheet, but Brand was exceptional for Germany the entire time she was on the pitch. Her relentless work rate, sheer determination and talent played a monumental role in taking this clash to the death. Brand did not stop running. She chased every ball, took every opportunity to attack, and showed defensive discipline that was paramount to a spirited German display.
Substitute Melvine Malard almost sent France through in the final seconds of extra-time, but her commanding hit from distance was bound only for the crossbar. Germany’s luck had not run out yet. It was time for another penalty shootout.
Minge slotted Germany into the lead with the first spot kick, before Amel Majri had hers saved by Berger. A powerful finish from Linda Dallmann kept the Germans in front, then Karchaoui also found the back of the net. Relishing under pressure, Rebecca Knaak scored Germany’s third. Malard converted for France, and Sara Däbritz failed to find the target, opening the door for the French. Sandy Baltimore beat Berger, before the goalkeeper herself beat her opposite number with a brilliant strike.
Oriane Jean-Françoise sent Berger the wrong way, and Bühl found the ceiling of the netting without trouble. Melween Nndongala scored next, and Nüsken made no mistake taking her second penalty of the night. Alice Sombath had her spot kick saved by Berger, sending Germany through against all the odds.
Germany give their all
The chaos that has been Die Nationalelf’s campaign so far was epitomised in the opening 20 minutes as they lost one defender to a red card and another to injury. However, Wück’s side demonstrated real grit, and did well to trouble a French side brimming with attacking talent.
Christian Wück’s starting 11 certainly surprised many of those tuning in to this battle. In particular, the decision to drop Lea Schüller and instead start Giovanna Hoffmann as the sole number nine was a fascinating one. Whilst the striker put in a good shift, the side still looked hesitant upfront, even before they were a player down. The battle against the final third continued to the death, with bright spark Brand coming agonisingly close to the target during the first bout of injury time.
It took Wück until eight minutes into extra-time to make a second substitution, the first having been in the 20th minute. This may have raised some eyebrows, but really his side were dealing as well as they could have with a strong opposition. Hoffmann made way for Schüller, as tired German legs focused on the counterattack and geared up for penalties. Their grit was not without sacrifice, and Nüsken’s yellow card sees her added to the list of unavailable players for the semi-final.
Their preparations clearly sufficed, and Berger can be hailed as one of the heroes who ultimately sent Die Nationalelf through to the EURO 2025 semi-finals.
France fail to flourish
Laurent Bonadei’s very squad selection for EURO 2025 was tainted by controversy following his decision to exclude Wendie Renard. Their other performances this summer may have been impressive, but the fact that France struggled to find a way past a wounded ten-player Germany raises additional questions.
Renowned for their efficacy and pace in the final third, the French are no easy opponent to come by. However, as the first half drew to a close, there were occasions where speed became sloppiness, and this resulted in failure to capitalise. This problem persisted after the break, with a lack of conviction plaguing a side who should have already been on their way to the semi-final.
As of the 80th minute, France had completed more than 300 passes, whilst Germany had not yet hit the 100 mark. This statistic told the story of the game, as Die Nationalelf hung on and Les Bleues looked increasingly lacklustre. Bonadei’s side looked surprisingly naïve and could not get to grips with Germany’s game plan. Perhaps a certain centre-back could have shed some light on the situation.
From less than a quarter of the way through this tie, France did not look like they had the edge to send Germany home. The penalty shootout was no exception. Is this the wake-up call the sleeping giants needed?
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