German Goalkeeper Reluctant To Monopoly Credit Kelolosan To Women's Euro Semifinals

German women's national team goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger. (Photo: Doc. ANTARA)

JAKARTA - German women's national team goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger was reluctant to monopolize credit for his team's success in qualifying for the semifinals of Euro Putri 2025 with a 6-5 penalty shootout win against France. after a 1-1 draw in 120 minutes of play.

Berger performed brilliantly with a record of nine saves during 120 minutes of the quarter-finals at St Stadium. Jakob-Park, Basel, Switzerland, Sunday morning WIB, where Germany had to play with only 10 players since the 13th minute due to a red card received by Kathrin Henrich.

One of Berger's best saves came in the 103rd minute, when he struggled to block the ball that was already in the goal mouth because of Janina Minge's wrong header.

Then in the penalty shootout, Berger successfully thwarted France's first executioner Amel Majri's kick before successfully netting the ball into the net when he stepped forward to become Germany's fifth kicker, in order to re-inject his colleagues' confidence after Sara Dabritz's failure as the fourth executioner.

Berger then finished himself as the best performer by guessing perfect Alice Sombath's shot, locking Germany's 6-5 win over France to advance to the semifinals.

However, the 34-year-old goalkeeper admitted to being "slightly upset" because the match had to be decided on penalties.

"But I finished my part. The whole team worked hard for 120 minutes, so this winning credit is for the whole team, not me alone," Berger said as quoted by ANTARA, Sunday, July 20.

"Everyone needs to talk about the performance of this team which is very, very extraordinary," he said again.

Agreeing with Berger, German coach Christian Wueck praised the player's reaction after Henrich's red card, which remains full of fighting power and cohesiveness.

"Everyone is happy because the performance of this struggle has resulted in victory. I am personally proud of the way this team faces the opponent's challenges which force us to give all our abilities. It is extraordinary," said Wueck.

Germany passed France to complete the list of Euro Putri 2025 semifinalists after Italy, Spain, and defending champions England qualified early.

Victory over France paved the way for Germany to sharpen their record as the record holder of the most Women's Euro title with eight wins.

Germany is scheduled to serve Spain at the Letzigrund Stadium, Zurich, Wednesday, July 23 local time or Thursday, July 24, 2025 in the morning WIB, a day after Britain and Italy faced off in Geneva.