Players of Germany run to celebrate after winning the Women's Euro 2025 quarterfinals soccer match between France and Germany at St. Jakob-Park in Basel, Switzerland, Saturday, July 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Germany beats France on penalties to reach Euro 2025 semifinals despite early red card

BASEL, Switzerland (AP) — Germany overcame France on penalties and reached the semifinals of the Women’s European Championship despite playing almost the entire match — and extra time — with 10 players.

A drama-filled match finished 1-1 on Saturday, then Germany won the shootout 6-5 thanks to the heroics of Ann-Katrin Berger, who saved two as well as dispatching her own spot kick.

Germany will face World Cup winner Spain in Zurich on Wednesday.

That seemed improbable after less than 13 minutes when Germany midfielder Kathrin Hendrich pulled the hair of France captain Griedge Mbock and issued a straight red card.

Grace Geyoro converted the resulting penalty but Sjoeke Nüsken headed her team level just 10 minutes later.

Despite being at a numerical disadvantage, Germany could have taken the lead with a penalty of its own in the second half but France goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin saved Nüsken’s spot kick.

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Germany goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger makes a save during the Women’s Euro 2025 quarterfinals soccer match between France and Germany at St. Jakob-Park in Basel, Switzerland, Saturday, July 19, 2025. (Michael Buholzer/Keystone via AP)
Germany goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger shoots to score during a penalty shootout during the Women’s Euro 2025 quarterfinals soccer match between France and Germany at St. Jakob-Park in Basel, Switzerland, Saturday, July 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
France players react during a penalty shootout at the end of the Women’s Euro 2025 quarterfinals soccer match between France and Germany at St. Jakob-Park in Basel, Switzerland, Saturday, July 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

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