France Falls to Germany in Nail-Biting Euro 2025 Quarter-Final
France women's football team loses to Germany in a dramatic Euro 2025 quarter-final after penalties.
Key Points
- • France lost 6-5 on penalties to Germany after a 1-1 draw in extra time.
- • Grace Geyoro scored a penalty for France, but they failed to capitalize on a red card given to Germany.
- • France had multiple disallowed goals and missed numerous opportunities.
- • Germany will face Spain in the semi-finals.
In a dramatic quarter-final clash of the Euro 2025 held in Basel, Switzerland, the French women's football team faced a heartbreaking exit against Germany after a tense penalty shootout. The match concluded with a score of 1-1 following extra time, with Germany advancing by winning 6-5 on penalties on July 19.
The game started with a significant moment when German defender Kathrin Hendrich received a red card for a foul on French captain Griedge Mbock just 13 minutes into play, leaving Germany with ten players. France capitalized on this early advantage with Grace Geyoro scoring from a penalty kick shortly thereafter. However, Germany quickly responded, leveling the score through a header by Sjoeke Nüsken, a goal assisted by Klara Bühl.
Despite dominating ball possession and having several scoring opportunities, including a disallowed goal for offside before halftime, France struggled to break through Germany's resilient defense, anchored by goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger. The match was characterized by intense moments, including another goal ruled out by VAR and a critical near-miss for France when Melvine Malard hit the crossbar late in the game.
The tense atmosphere continued into extra time, but neither team could find the decisive goal, leading to penalties to determine who would advance. Unfortunately for France, their historical challenges against Germany in crucial matches continued, marking their sixth defeat in significant encounters against them. As the team reflects on this loss, forward Delphine Cascarino emphasized the hope for a new generation to forge their own legacy moving forward.
Germany now looks ahead to face Spain in the semi-finals, while Italy prepares to battle England in the other semi-final matchup.