10-Woman Germany Shocks France with Epic Shootout Win at Euro 2025! On July 19, 2025, Germany’s goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger delivered a breathtaking performance, leading her 10-player team to a thrilling 6-5 penalty shootout win over France in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 quarter-finals in Basel.
Despite an early red card, two disallowed French goals, and intense drama, Germany’s resilience shone through, securing a semi-final spot against the world champions, Spain. Berger’s incredible saves, including a stunning extra-time stop and two in the shootout, stole the show, while France’s trophy drought continued.
This article dives into the match’s chaotic moments, Germany’s gritty fight, and the emotional weight of their triumph.
A Chaotic Start with a Red Card
The match exploded into chaos just 13 minutes in when Germany’s veteran defender received a straight red card for a bizarre hair-pulling foul on a French player in the penalty area. The referee’s decision, confirmed after a video review, left Germany with 10 players for over 100 minutes.
France capitalized immediately, with their midfielder scoring from the penalty spot to take a 1-0 lead, becoming her country’s top scorer in Women’s Euro history. Despite the setback, Germany fought back with courage, equalizing in the 25th minute when a midfielder darted to the near post and looped a header into the far corner from a well-placed corner kick.
The 1-1 score held through regular and extra time, with Germany’s defense, described as “dogged” by their coach, frustrating France’s attacks. The coach later called it the team’s “best and hardest-fought” performance, praising their heart against a relentless opponent.
Berger’s Brilliance Saves the Day
Germany’s goalkeeper, a 34-year-old veteran, became the match’s hero with a performance that electrified the Basel crowd. She made nine saves during the game, including stopping a long-range shot and a close-range effort.
In extra time, she produced a save dubbed the tournament’s best, leaping backward to claw a potential own goal off the line with one hand. In the penalty shootout, she saved two French attempts, including the decisive sudden-death strike, while scoring one herself with a confident kick.
Fans erupted in cheers, chanting her name as she sealed the 6-5 victory. Despite her heroics, she humbly credited her teammates, saying, “It’s all about the team’s fight, not me.” Her saves, especially the extra-time stop, have already become legendary, cementing her as a clutch performer in Germany’s storied football history.
France’s Hopes Dashed Again
France, despite controlling 73% of possession and taking 18 shots, couldn’t break Germany’s resolve. Two potential goals were disallowed for offside—one a brilliant team move, the other a rebound finish—causing frustration among players and fans. A late crossbar strike in the 120th minute summed up their night of missed chances.
Germany’s penalty opportunity, earned after a clumsy foul on their winger, was saved by France’s goalkeeper, but it wasn’t enough. France’s coach insisted his team showed progress, saying, “We’re building something special, but Germany was smarter today.”
This quarter-final exit marks another chapter in France’s ongoing struggle to win a major trophy, having fallen at this stage four times in the last five Women’s Euros. Germany now faces Spain in Zurich on July 23, carrying momentum but missing two key players due to suspensions, setting the stage for another thrilling showdown.
