Germany saw a seven-match winning run come to an abrupt end in their final group match, losing 4-1 to Sweden after being reduced to 10 in the first half.
And just 13 minutes into their quest to conquer the knockouts and win a record-extending ninth Euros title, they again found themselves with a personnel deficit when Kathrin Hendrich was shown a red card for pulling Griedge Mbock’s hair while defending a free-kick.
The offence also warranted a penalty which France’s Grace Geyoro gleefully took, smashing down the middle despite a touch off Ann-Katrin Berger’s trailing hand.
But the nine-time finalists responded impeccably, and found themselves back on level terms when Klara Buhl’s corner kick was flicked expertly inside the far post by Sjoeke Nusken.
A flustered France focused on playing their own game, and were unfortunate not to restore the lead when there was an offside in the build-up as Delphine Cascarino deftly flicked Geyoro’s cross into the net. And it was a similar story the other side of the break, with Maëlle Lakrar deemed to be interfering with play from an offside position before Geyoro swiped home on the rebound.
After those two reprieves, fortune appeared to be firmly in Germany’s favour as they were awarded their own penalty when Selma Bacha mistimed her challenge on Jule Brand, but Nüsken’s spot-kick was stopped confidently by Pauline Peyraud-Magnin.
Valiant defending from the likes of Rebecca Knaak and Franziska Kett saw things into extra time, where Germany had their goalkeeper Berger to thank for a sensational acrobatic stop to prevent Janina Minge’s header from looping into her own net.
France lacked the innovation to unlock the German defence, but Melvine Malard did strike the bar from distance with virtually the last kick of extra time.
Berger’s save of France’s first penalty from Amel Majri gave Germany the early advantage, but Sara Däbritz’s miss put the score at 4-4 after five each.
But heartbreak came for France when Berger dived to stop Alice Sombath, heroically handing her side a 6-5 victory.
Even despite their pedigree on this stage, Germany’s performance was mightily impressive given the circumstances, and Christian Wück’s side now have the honour of facing tournament favourites Spain in the last four.
France’s scintillating group-stage form proved to be in vain as they bow out while losing a match for the first time in 2025 – ending an 11-match winning run.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Ann-Katrin Berger (Germany)