MONTREAL, (Reuters) – Germany beat France in a penalty shootout after their thrilling Women’s World Cup quarter-final ended 1-1 after extra-time yesteriday. The Germans triumphed 5-4 in the shootout after Claire Levogez, chosen as the fifth kicker for France, saw her low shot saved by Germany goalkeeper Nadine Angerer.
Louisa Necib had put France ahead in the 64th minute but Germany equalised in the 84th when Celia Sasic converted a penalty after Amel Majri handled inside the box. Germany will face the winners of Friday’s other quarter-final between the United States and China.
The clash between the top-ranked Germans and a French team placed third in the world was expected to be a memorable encounter and it more than lived up to the billing.
With the quality of the two teams it could easily have been the tournament final and the French will head home feeling they have missed out on a real chance to win their first World Cup.
They certainly looked like champions during a first half in which they dominated large sections of play, with some flowing attacking football that produced several good openings. The best chance of the opening 45 minutes came almost straight from kick-off when Necib put wide from a glorious position at the back post.
