Ann-Katrin Berger ended the Euro 2025 quarterfinal with a broad smile, encapsulating the spirit of resilience that characterized Germany's performance. As the rest of the team passionately belted out the national anthem, Berger took a moment to soak in the atmosphere, her grin a stark contrast to the serious demeanor of her teammates. This radiant smile grew even wider after she executed her second penalty save, helping Germany secure a thrilling 6-5 victory in a shootout following a 1-1 draw after extra time.
The match was fraught with tension, particularly after Germany had to navigate more than 100 minutes with just ten players. Early in the game, Kathrin Hendrich was sent off, leading to a penalty for France, which Grace Geyoro converted just 15 minutes in. However, Germany's Sjoeke Nüsken equalized with a header ten minutes later, despite missing a penalty in the second half. Berger's goalkeeping prowess was on full display as she made a crucial save during extra time, preventing a looping header from teammate Janina Minge from finding the net.
In the lead-up to this match, Berger had faced considerable scrutiny after being part of a defense that faltered in a 4-1 loss to Sweden. The pressure intensified as her partner, Jess Carter from England, also faced criticism for her performance in a recent match. Reflecting on the team’s journey, Berger stated, "You learn from mistakes, and we showed that today. We just knew how to deal with a situation like that, and I think that was decisive." Her post-match pride in the team was palpable, especially after the setback against Sweden, which she believed ultimately strengthened their resolve.
At 34 years old, Berger's journey to becoming Germany’s number one goalkeeper has been anything but straightforward. After a stellar performance, Germany’s coach, Christian Wück, praised her, saying, "A terrific performance. We knew that she would give us stability. We need personalities like Ann when we're outnumbered." Berger, who previously played for Chelsea and Turbine Potsdam, now plays for Gotham FC in the USA. She was part of the squad that finished as runners-up in the last Euros, but her journey took a challenging turn when she discovered her thyroid cancer had returned during that tournament.
Berger described the moment she learned about her cancer diagnosis as "not a happy moment, obviously." However, she emphasized the importance of regular check-ups, having previously defeated the disease in 2017 and again in 2022. Remarkably, she returned to action just 61 days after surgery. "As a footballer, you don’t think about it. You have to live a healthy life; you do sport every day, so it was quite a shock," she shared. "For me, it was not a solution to be ill. As a sportsperson, you have to fight every day." This fighting spirit was evident in her performance against France, where she not only made pivotal saves but also led a makeshift German defense.
Throughout her career, Berger has been known for her penalty-saving prowess. However, she acknowledged that there is always room for improvement. "In moments like that, nothing goes through my head. I go to my spot and wait for the referee to blow her whistle," she explained. Despite her success, she was critical of herself, noting that she felt she jumped a bit too early on some penalties. Berger's penalty-saving skills were previously showcased in the 2024 Olympics, where she saved two penalties against Canada and scored the decisive kick herself. She also made a crucial save against Spain, helping Germany secure a bronze medal.
With Spain, the reigning World Cup champions and a formidable opponent, awaiting in the semifinals, Berger's mental fortitude and experience will be crucial. As she prepares for the next challenge, there’s little doubt that she'll step onto the pitch with her trademark smile, ready to lead Germany to further glory in Euro 2025.
