Two-time cancer survivor Ann-Katrin Berger delivers a spectacular performance, advancing Germany to the semi-finals of Euro 2025.
In a thrilling quarterfinal match at Euro 2025, Germany advanced to the semifinals after a nail-biting penalty shootout against France. The star of the show was goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger, who made history with her heroic performance.
Berger, a two-time cancer survivor, played with unwavering determination and grit, making nine saves in open play during the match - more than any other player in a knockout stage match at the European Women's Championship since 2013. Her most notable save came in the 102nd minute, when she prevented an own goal by teammate Janina Minge, keeping the score level and taking the game into extra time.
The match ended 1-1 after extra time, setting the stage for a tense penalty shootout. Berger was once again the standout player, saving the very first spot kick from France's Amel Majri and keeping out Alice Sombath's effort, which was France's seventh penalty attempt. She also scored her team's fourth penalty, securing a 6-5 victory for Germany and a place in the semifinals.
Berger's progression to the semifinals holds particular meaning for her, as it was at this tournament three years ago that she discovered her thyroid cancer had returned after a previous diagnosis in 2017. Despite this setback, she returned to soccer within months of starting her treatment, citing her need to take her mind off the situation.
Berger's journey is not just about her footballing success, but also her resilience and inspiring story. She has won league titles in both Germany and England, was named NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year in her first season with Gotham FC in the United States, and helped Gotham win the inaugural CONCACAF Champions Cup.
With her international debut coming later in life, at 30, Berger's rise in football has been significant. She has been a key player for the German national team, finishing as runner-up at the UEFA Women's Euro 2022 and earning a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Her latest achievement, saving the crucial penalty shootout against France, adds another accolade to her impressive career.
Germany will face world champion Spain in the semifinals on Wednesday, a challenging but exciting match for Berger and her team. As she continues to defy the odds and inspire others with her story, there's no doubt that Berger will be a force to reckon with in the tournament.
[1] Source: UEFA [2] Source: The Guardian [3] Source: BBC Sport [4] Source: NWSLsoccer.com
- Ann-Katrin Berger's sports-analysis reveals that she made nine saves in open play during the quarterfinal match at Euro 2025, which is the most by a player in a knockout stage match at the European Women's Championship since 2013.
- Berger's mental-health journey has been inspiring, as she returned to football within months of starting her treatment after learning her thyroid cancer had returned in 2018.
- In addition to her football achievements, which include league titles in Germany, England, and the United States, and numerous individual awards, Berger's health-and-wellness story stands out as a testament to her resilience.
- The sports world will be closely watching Berger as she faces world champion Spain in the semifinals of Euro 2025, a challenge that promises to showcase her skill and determination once again.
