Germany dramatically edged France 6-5 in a UEFA Women’s EURO shoot-out to set up a semi-final with Spain on Wednesday.
Germany suffered an early double set-back, with Kathrin Hendrich red-carded for pulling Griedge Mbock Bathy’s hair and Grace Geyoro converting the resultant penalty despite goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger getting a hand to it.
But from a Klara Buhl corner, Sjoeke Nüsken headed past Pauline Peyraud-Magnin to equalise i the 25th minute.
Delphine Cascarino capped a flowing move but had netted after being marginally offside, Geyoro was later similarly frustrated but with a team-mate the one penalised after another VAR check.
Ten-player Germany had the chance to go ahead midway through the second half when Jule Brand was brought down in the box by Selma Bacha, only for Nusken’s spot-kick to be saved by Peyraud-Magnin.
In extra time Berger clawed away a goal-bound effort that had looped up off a teammate, then right at the death Melvine Malard hit the German crossbar.
Berger saved the first penalty of the shoot-out from Amel Majri, Sara Däbritz struck the bar, then in sudden-death Berger kept out Alice Sombath to finally decide the tie.
The Semi-Finals
Tuesday 22 July (8pm BST) – England v Italy – live on ITV1, ITVX, STV, STV Player
Wednesday 23 July (8pm BST) – Spain v Germany – live on BBC1, iPlayer, BBC Sport Website
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