'I take the blame' - Ann-Katrin Berger left 'bitter' after 'small mistake' costs Germany as goalkeeper apologises for Euro 2025 semi-final elimination

Germany goalkeeper Berger took full responsibility for her side's excruciating 1-0 semi-final defeat to Spain at the Women's Euro 2025 on Wednesday, admitting that she could have done better to avoid La Roja from scoring the only goal in the tie that lasted 120 minutes.

Spain's victory was their first-ever win over the Frauenteam in nine meetings. Moreover, it was Germany's first-ever Euro semi-final defeat in 32 years, after they lost to Italy on penalties at the 1993 edition of the tournament. The game was closely contested, with neither side failing to break the deadlock in regulation time. The game went into extra time, where midfielder Aitana Bonmati found the winner in the 113th minute. Berger, who was fantastic in the quarter-final and produced a number of acrobatic saves in the semi-final, was beaten at the near post by a Bonmati screamer, who initially seemed like crossing the ball, only to find the back of the net from an acute angle.

Speaking to ARD after the game, Berger said: "I take the blame on myself. The near corner must have been closed, absolutely. I can make as many saves as I want, but that should have been mine. I'm incredibly sorry for the team. We're really disappointed — a small mistake, and that's all the more bitter."

In the other semi-final between England and Italy, the Lionesses came out on top 2-1 in a dramatic game that also went into extra-time. Sarina Wiegman's side will take on Spain in the final on Sunday, with Montse Tome's troops eyeing their first European title.