The German women's football team fights dramatically against France into the European Championship semi-finals

Winning a match against all odds: That doesn't happen very often at a tournament. The German women's national team managed to beat the favored French in a penalty shootout in Basel. Goalkeeper Ann-Kathrin Berger twice saved the French team's attempts and was able to convert her own penalty.

But the road to victory was a martyrdom: The Germans played 105 minutes shorthanded and missed a penalty during regular time. The effort was great, the strain enormous. Now the team is in the semifinals. A minor sensation.

The French team's lead in the 15th minute was somewhat far-fetched: Kathrin Hendrich grabbed the dreadlocks of her opponent Griedge Mbock Bathy. The French player complained briefly, but not to the referee, but to Hendrich. Only the video assistant referee clarified the situation, and the result was a bitter blow for the German team: Hendrich was sent off, shown a red card for violent conduct, and a penalty was inevitably awarded. Grace Geyoro converted it to make it 1-0, even though Germany's goalkeeper Ann-Kathrin Berger had gotten her hand on the ball.

Coach Christian Wück had a bad feeling about the Germans. His team collapsed under the weight of a man down against Sweden. But the French were unable to take advantage of their numerical superiority. The Germans played with extreme discipline. The team's lineup, which hadn't worked at all against Sweden, now worked smoothly.

There was no discernible difference in quality between the two teams. And so the Germans equalized through Sjoeke Nüsken after about 25 minutes – a goal they had certainly earned. It was a strong performance from the German team. They were able to offer considerable resistance to the favored French team, not only defensively but also offensively.

The Germans almost had a chance to take the lead. In the 68th minute, a good attack by the Germans almost gave them the lead: Jule Brand was brought down in the penalty area, and the referee rightly awarded a penalty.

Nüsken, one of the German team's best players, set up the ball. She had already converted one penalty in this tournament. But the attempt was poorly executed, and the French goalkeeper had no trouble saving the half-heartedly kicked ball.

Even if it wasn't an outstanding match, what both teams showed here in Basel was certainly entertaining. The French team, in particular, had to accept one criticism: they didn't make the most of their superiority.

Playing as favorites with a man advantage for 105 minutes without creating many clear-cut opportunities is not a good reflection of Laurent Bonadei's team, who could have even lost the match in regular time. The game went to a penalty shootout, in which the Germans held their nerve. They will now face Spain, the 2023 world champions, in Wednesday's semifinal.