Drama in the penalty shootout: Germany defeats France and crowns itself!

Drama in the penalty shootout: Germany defeats France and crowns itself!

It was a memorable evening in St. Jakob-Park in Basel when the German women's football team reached the semi-finals of the Women's European Football Championship on July 20, 2025. After an exciting encounter against the French, coach Christian Wück's team triumphed 6:5 in the penalty shootout after the score was 1:1 after regular time and extra time. The approximately 34,000 spectators in the sold-out stadium witnessed a breathtaking game that triggered unforgettable emotions.

The game got off to an unfortunate start for Germany when Grace Geyoro scored France's first goal from a penalty in the 15th minute. But the German defense, which had to compete without the injured Giulia Gwinn and the suspended Carlotta Wamser, showed great fighting spirit. In the 25th minute, Sjoeke Nüsken equalized. However, this was the Germans' only significant chance in the first half.

Tension until the end

In a remarkable turnaround, Kathrin Hendrich received a red card after pulling Griedge Mbock Bathy's braid. From that moment on, Germany had to play almost the entire game outnumbered. After half-time, France had another clear chance when a goal from Geyoro was disallowed for offside. In return, Germany had the opportunity to take the lead with a penalty kick, but Nüsken was denied by French goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin.

The players' nerves were put to the test as the game went into extra time. In the end, the penalty shootouts had to decide, and Germany proved to be accurate: Ann-Katrin Berger, Janina Minge, Linda Dallmann, Rebecca Knaak, Klara Bühl and Sjoeke Nüsken scored for Germany. Only Sara Däbritz failed when she hit the crossbar. Berger was outstanding for France, fending off two shots from Amel Majri and Alice Sombath.

A team full of pride

After the game, captain Janina Minge expressed her pride in the team's performance. Coach Christian Wück praised the performance of goalkeeper Berger, who had previously secured Olympic bronze with a saved penalty against Spain. This success was not a given, as the team was under a lot of pressure with the failures and the red card.

World champions Spain are now waiting for Germany in the semi-finals on Wednesday. There is great anticipation for this encounter, as Germany has already performed impressively in the group stage. At the top of the scorers list is Jule Brand with two goals, while the Spanish have the highest points, led by Esther González with four goals in this tournament. This first encounter underlines the increased competition and the excitement that the tournament brings. The time reports that the German team presented itself as a force to be reckoned with despite all adversities.

The semi-finals not only promise exciting sport, but also the opportunity to show your own strength and solidarity. The coming days will show whether the German national team can shine again, but one thing is certain: they have already won the hearts of many football fans.