Germany Triumphs Over France to Secure Semifinal Spot in Euro 2025 – Full Match Highlights

Ann-Katrin Berger faced the Euro 2025 quarterfinal with a bright smile. While her teammates sang the national anthem with determination, she took a moment to soak it all in. After making two crucial penalty saves in a nail-biting shootout, her grin only grew wider.

The match ended in a 1-1 tie after extra time, but Germany triumphed 6-5 in penalties. Berger not only saved key shots but also participated by scoring one herself. This win was especially impressive as Germany played most of the game with just ten players after a red card.

It hasn’t been easy for Berger. In the lead-up to this match, she faced criticism for her role in a heavy loss against Sweden. “You learn from mistakes, and we showed that today,” she remarked, emphasizing the team’s resilience. Her journey to becoming Germany’s starting goalkeeper has been a long one. At 34, she wasn’t about to let this opportunity slip away.

Christian Wück, the German coach, praised her performance, saying, “We needed someone like Ann to give us stability when we were outnumbered.”

Berger’s resilience extends beyond the field. After battling thyroid cancer, which she first discovered in 2017, she made an inspiring return to football just 61 days post-surgery. “It was a shock,” she admitted, “But as an athlete, you have to keep fighting.” Her experience not only shapes her view on life but also influences her playing style.

Mental strength has been key to her success. Berger mentioned in interviews that as a goalkeeper, you need that fighting spirit. “I think the mentality of a goalkeeper helped me through that,” she said, highlighting the unique challenges of her position.

Known for her penalty-saving skills, she remains humble about her performance. “I think I jumped a little too early on a couple of penalties,” she reflected, showcasing her continuous desire to improve.

Interestingly, her knack for penalties isn’t new. In the 2024 Olympics, she saved two during a decisive match against Canada, where she also scored the winning penalty. Now, as Germany gears up for the semifinals against a powerful Spain team, Berger’s confidence is unwavering.

In recent social media buzz, fans have rallied behind her and the team after the Sweden match, showing their support with hashtags celebrating resilience and teamwork.

As they prepare to face Spain, the expectations are high. Yet if Berger’s proven track record tells us anything, it’s that she thrives under pressure. With her spirit and skill, one can bet she’ll face this next challenge with that same broad smile.



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