Germany Defy Odds to Stun France in Dramatic Penalty Shootout

In an extraordinary Euro 2025 quarter-final, 10-woman Germany pulled off a miraculous 6-5 penalty shootout victory over France—becoming the first team in tournament history to win after going a player down.

Match Highlights

• Early Drama: Germany's Kathrin Hendrich was controversially sent off in the 13th minute for pulling Griedge Mbock Bathy’s hair in the box, leading to Grace Geyoro’s penalty opener for France.

• Instant Response: Sjoeke Nüsken leveled just 10 minutes later with a thunderous header from a corner, igniting German hopes.

• Heroic Defiance: Despite France’s relentless pressure—including two disallowed goals—Germany held firm, with Ann-Katrin Berger making nine crucial saves in regulation time.

• Shootout Glory: Berger’s two more stops in the shootout, including the decisive save on Alice Sombath, sealed an unforgettable win after Pauline Peyraud-Magnin had denied Nüsken a potential winner from the spot in normal time.

What’s Next?

Germany advances to face Spain in Wednesday’s semi-final, while France exits wondering how they failed to break down a team that played 107 minutes with 10 players.

The Verdict: A tale of resilience, tactical grit, and Berger’s gravity-defying heroics. France dominated but couldn’t conquer.

(For full analysis: The Briefing – France 1-1 Germany (5-6 pens))

Key Stats:

• Shots: FRA 24-6 GER

• On Target: FRA 10-2 GER

• Possession: FRA 68%-32% GER

• xG: FRA 2.7-0.8 GER

(Credit: UEFA Match Centre)