Penalties and Heroics: Highlights and Future of Euro 2025

The Final Four Teams of the UEFA 2025 Women's Euros

The UEFA Women’s Euros 2025 is reaching its climax with four teams remaining in the competition. This means two exciting semifinal matches are set to take place this week, leading up to the grand finale on Sunday. Before diving into the semifinals, it’s worth reflecting on the dramatic quarterfinals that have already taken place.

Reigning champions England made a stunning comeback against Sweden in a penalty shootout that will be remembered for years to come. Germany also advanced after a tense match against France, which was decided on penalties despite playing with only 10 players. Spain continued its strong performance by defeating the hosts Switzerland, while Italy made history by reaching the semifinals for the first time since 1997.

The Penalties That Defined the Quarterfinals

One of the most talked-about aspects of the quarterfinals was the unpredictable nature of penalty kicks. The England vs. Sweden match was particularly unforgettable, as it required 14 spot-kicks to determine the winner. Sweden took an early lead, scoring in the second and 25th minutes, but England fought back with two late goals to force extra time. The game eventually came down to a penalty shootout, where five goals were scored, six were saved, and three were missed.

England ultimately won 3-2, with the decisive goal coming from Bronze, followed by Smila Homberg missing her shot. This was the first time in the history of the Women’s Euros that a team overcame a two-goal deficit in a knockout match.

Penalties played a key role in other matches as well. Norway’s Ada Hegerberg missed a crucial penalty that could have changed the momentum of the game before her team fell to Italy. Spain’s Mariona Caldentey and Alexia Putellas both missed their chances during the match against Switzerland, and Germany’s Sjoeke Nusken had her shot saved in the 68th minute before her team won in a shootout.

With the tournament moving forward, the question remains: will penalties continue to be a major factor, or will the remaining teams find their rhythm? If penalties remain unpredictable, the championship could go to any team.

Berger’s Heroic Performance Saves Germany

France entered the quarterfinals as a strong contender, but they were unable to capitalize on their advantage. Germany was reduced to 10 players after Kathrin Hendrich pulled the hair of France captain Griedge Mbock in the 13th minute. Despite being a player down, Germany managed to turn the game around, thanks in large part to Ann-Katrin Berger.

Berger’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary. During extra time, she made a gravity-defying save after a shot bounced off Janina Minge’s head and nearly went into the net. Her confidence carried over into the penalty shootout, where she saved three shots and converted one of her own. This performance helped Germany advance to the semifinals, where they will face Spain’s powerful attack on Wednesday at 3 p.m. on FOX.

Will England’s Captain Return for the Italy Match?

There has been some concern about England’s captain, Leah Williamson, who suffered an ankle injury during the win over Sweden. However, manager Sarina Wiegman confirmed that Williamson trained on Monday and is expected to be available for the semifinal against Italy on Tuesday at 3 p.m. on FOX.

“She really wants to play and did everything to recover as quickly as possible,” Wiegman said. “She has.”

Williamson has been a key figure for England, leading the team to the Euro 2022 championship and starting every match in this tournament. As of now, it seems she will be back in action for the crucial clash against Italy.

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. Follow her at @LakenLitman.