Press comments on Germany's European Championship quarter-final: "Germany survives the hair-pulling"

L'Equipe : "It's enough to make you tear your hair out. The curse continues for Les Bleues, who suffered their third consecutive quarter-final exit at a major tournament (after the 2023 World Cup and the 2024 Olympic Games)."

Le Parisien : "A terrible disappointment for Les Bleues . In Basel, the demons awoke, conjuring up images of the despair typical of the vanquished, at the very moment when Alice Sombath missed the final penalty for France."

Le Figaro : “A cruel end to a dream. And a terrible disappointment.”

Marca : "Berger saves Germany. The France-Germany clash was a true test of faith, courage, and perseverance. This team knows no bounds: when everything seemed to be going downhill, they held on to the epic... and the epic was dressed in black and white."

AS : "The heroine has a name: Ann-Katrin Berger. The German goalkeeper saved her team when they fell behind and were down a player after Hendrich's incredible mistake."

Mundo Deportivo : "Berger performs miracles and Germany is Spain's rival in the semifinals. Ann-Katrin Berger. One name is enough to summarize what happened at St. Jakob-Park in front of 34,128 spectators who witnessed the most striking performance of the European Championship so far."

Kathrin Hendrich receives the most unusual red card in DFB history for pulling her opponent's hair. Sjoeke Nüsken demonstrates her new-found heading ability – and Ann-Katrin Berger shines in several roles.

The Guardian : "Goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger produced one of the best saves ever at a European Championship as Germany, with a courageous performance from ten players, challenged France for a place in the semi-finals on a dramatic night in Basel. In a thrilling game with many unpredictable moments, including a shocking early red card, video referee drama, two penalties and two disallowed goals for France, it was ultimately the familiar realisation that Germany's mental strength prevailed in the penalty shootout that led to France's elimination."

BBC: "Germany defied all expectations in a chaotic encounter, beating France on penalties and reaching the semi-finals of EURO 2025—despite playing with ten players from the 13th minute onward. Goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger, who had made outstanding saves all evening, was the hero."

Daily Mail : "A German star is sent off after conceding a penalty for brutally pulling a France player's hair in the Euro 2025 quarter-final. It was a bizarre incident - but her teammates rescue her with a win."

The Independent : “Germany survives the hair-pulling, while France loses its head and the quarter-finals of Euro 2025.”

Blick : "Mega-save and penalty show: Berger leads the German national team to the semifinals – red card offender Hendrich causes a hairy penalty scene. An early red card, two penalties in regular time, two disallowed goals, and Germany defeating France in a penalty shootout despite being outnumbered for a long time. The European Championship quarterfinal in Basel in front of 34,128 fans provides plenty of food for thought."

Tagesanzeiger : "Penalty-save hero Ann-Katrin Berger leads the German women's soccer team into the European Championship semifinals after a furious duel against France. After a nerve-wracking penalty shootout and a 6-5 victory in the penalty shootout, the brilliantly fighting DFB team can celebrate in the quarterfinals, thanks in part to the strong saves of the goalkeeper."