Ann-Katrin Berger: Defeated two times, Germany brings Germany to the EM semi-final

Ann-Katrin Berger: Defeated two times, Germany brings Germany to the EM semi-final

CNN-In terms of the challenges that the two-time cancer survived Ann-Katrin Berger, their impressive parades during the quarterfinales of the Euro 2025 against France relatively far down last night on her list. Nevertheless, it was an important evening for the goalkeeper and her country-she delivered one of the best goalkeeper performance of the tournament when Germany won 6: 5 in an increase in penalty shooting after a 1-1 draw.

Berger set a record on

Berger parried nine shots in the current game-more than any other player in a knockout game at the UEFA European women's championship since 2013, according to the BBC. Her parade in the 102nd minute, in which she prevented an own goal of teammate Janina Minge, was particularly noteworthy. She dipped backwards and scratched the captain's header from the line when he already seemed to be on the net.

an unforgettable moment

The 34-year-old did not give up. In the penalty shootout, she held the first penalty of Frances Amel Majri, achieved the fourth penalty for her team and dipped to the left to ward off the shot of Alice Sombath - the seventh attempt in France and thus secure victory for Germany. In obviously unbelief, Berger simply sank to his knees, stretched out his arms and grinned broadly while her cheering teammates come to celebrate to celebrate.

a special tournament

reaching the semi -finals of the Euro 2025 means Berger particularly much because she learned at this tournament three years ago that her thyroid cancer had returned after it was diagnosed in 2017. In both cases, the Germans returned to football within a few months after their treatment began.

"You have to concentrate on something else, hold on something. For me it was the European Championship," she told Sky Sports in 2022. "Football saved my mind and my mental health because I had something I could hold on to."

The way to the semi -finals

After she has completely recovered, the only visible sign of Berger's struggle is a tattoo on her neck that shows "All We have is now" and the scars of her treatment hides. On the field last night, however, the hope for moving into the semi -finals for Germany took a damper in the 13th minute when Kathrin Hendrich was put off the pitch due to a hair train to Griedge Mbock. Grace Geyoro converted the following penalty and suddenly Germany was around a goal and a player.

But the national team reacted quickly: Sjoeke Nüsken headed on the short post in the 25th minute Klara Bühl's corner. France's Delphine Cascarino and Geyoro had been canceled a goal for offside violation before Nüsken gave a great chance to give Germany an unexpected tour in the 69th minute-her weak penalty was held by Pauline Peyraud-Magnin after Selma Bacha Jule Brand fouled.

The next goal: Spain

But Berger's heroic deeds were enough to bring Germany to the semi -finals, where the world champion Spain is waiting on Wednesday.