Penalties and Goalkeeper Heroics: What Stood Out And What’s Next At Euro 2025

UEFA Euro Penalties and Goalkeeper Heroics: What Stood Out and What’s Next at Euro 2025

Updated Jul. 22, 2025, 12:13 p.m. ET

Laken Litman, College Football & Soccer Analyst

Four teams remain in the UEFA 2025 Women’s Euros, which sets the stage for two thrilling semifinal matches this week leading up to Sunday’s grand finale. But before we delve into that, let’s recap the thrilling quarterfinal round.

The defending champions, England, clinched a sensational victory over Sweden in a nail-biting penalty shootout. Germany managed to sneak by France (also on penalties) despite being down to 10 players. Spain continues its quest after eliminating hosts Switzerland, while Italy’s resurgence continues as they defeated Norway, marking their first semifinal appearance since 1997. Here’s what grabbed our attention from those matches and what’s on the horizon for the semifinals.

The Case of The Terrible, No Good, Very Bad Penalties

The quarterfinals were marked by some bizarre outcomes stemming from penalty kicks across multiple matches. The shootout between England and Sweden was particularly wild, featuring 14 spot-kicks to determine the winner.

Sweden was leading 2-0 early in the match, netting goals in the second and 25th minutes, before the Lionesses fought back with consecutive goals in the dying moments of regulation time to send the match to extra time. With neither team able to score, the match went to penalties, which can arguably be described as one of the most gut-wrenching and dramatic shootouts in history vipph casino login.

In total, five penalties were converted, six were saved, and three were missed. England ultimately triumphed 3-2, with Lucy Bronze scoring the decisive penalty, while Smila Homberg’s attempt soared over the crossbar. This match also marked the first time in the history of the Women’s Euros that a team overcame a two-goal deficit to secure victory in a knockout game. bk8 login register

And it wasn’t the only match where penalties played a crucial role. Norway’s Ada Hegerberg squandered a penalty in the second half that could have shifted the momentum before Italy eventually triumphed bmy888. net. Meanwhile, Spain’s Mariona Caldentey and Alexia Putellas both failed to convert their respective spot kicks during regulation against Switzerland. On the German side, Sjoeke Nusken had her attempt saved in the 68th minute, yet her team went on to win in the shootout.

As the tournament progresses, will penalties continue to plague the teams, or will the remaining squads find their footing? If it’s the former, the championship trophy could very well be up for grabs by anyone.

Berger’s Gravity-Defying Act Saves Germany

France, which has now been eliminated in the quarterfinals of its last three major tournaments, was expected to win this match. Les Bleues played with the advantage of an extra player for most of the game after Germany received a red card in the 13th minute when Kathrin Hendrich pulled the hair of France’s captain, Griedge Mbock Bathy. However, the French side couldn’t capitalize, and the Germans took full advantage.

Ann-Katrin Berger’s performance was nothing short of heroic, especially during extra time when she prevented a catastrophic near own goal. During that period, Berger executed an incredible save after a shot ricocheted off Janina Minge’s head, narrowly missing the net. vip777.c

Her confidence shone through in the ensuing penalty shootout, where she played mind games with the tense French shooters, saving three attempts and successfully converting one of her own, propelling Germany to the semifinals where they will face Spain’s formidable attack on Wednesday at 3 p.m. on FOX.

Will England Get Its Captain Back For Italy Clash?

Concerns have arisen in England’s camp regarding captain Leah Williamson. The Lionesses’ captain hobbled off the pitch with an ankle injury during the match against Sweden. However, manager Sarina Wiegman has confirmed that Williamson trained on Monday and is expected to be available for the semifinal clash against Italy on Tuesday (3 p. casino 888 onlinem. on FOX).

“It shows she really wants to play, and she has done everything to recover quickly,” Wiegman told reporters on Monday.

Williamson has served as England’s captain for several years, leading the team to the Euro 2022 championship before missing the 2023 World Cup due to injury. The 28-year-old defender, who recently helped Arsenal secure the Champions League title, has started every match for her national team in this tournament. As of now, it seems that this trend won’t change for Tuesday’s game.

Laken Litman covers college football, college basketball, and soccer for FOX Sports. She previously wrote for Sports Illustrated, USA Today, and The Indianapolis Star. She is the author of “Strong Like a Woman,” published in spring 2022 to mark the 50th anniversary of Title IX. You can follow her at @LakenLitman.

What are your thoughts on how these teams will perform in the upcoming semifinals?