'Bad loser' Selma Bacha grumbles Germany 'don't even deserve' Euro 2025 quarter-final win as France exit on penalties

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Ann-Katrin Berger was the hero for Germany, as her side held out for 107 minutes a player down to force a penalty shoot-out with France. Despite hitting the bar and having two goals ruled out for offside, France were defeated 6-5 in the shootout with Berger saving twice. Selma Bacha, who herself gave away a second-half spot-kick, was reluctant to praise the record eight-time Euro champions.

'They don't deserve it' - France' Bacha after shootout loss to Germany

Video credit: SNTV

France full-back Selma Bacha admitted she was "a bad loser" and told UEFA Euro 2025 semi-finalists Germany that they "don't even deserve" their final-four spot.

The record eight-time Euro champions won 6-5 on penalties after holding France to an eventful 1-1 draw, having played 107 minutes with 10 players.

German centre-half Kathrin Hendrich was sent off for pulling the hair of skipper Griedge Mbock Bathy in the 13th minute, with Grace Geyoro converting the resulting spot-kick.

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But inspired goalkeeping from Ann-Katrin Berger kept the scoreline level after Sjoeke Nusken had netted an unlikely first-half equaliser.

"Yes, bad luck. They didn't offer anything to us," said Bacha when asked the reason for their defeat. "Yes, they defended, they were there, they were aggressive, but we dominated them from start to finish.

"Now they're through. I'm sorry to say that, but they don't even deserve it.

"Now I'm a bad loser; that's normal. I'm committed to taking my country as far as possible. Good luck to them, anyway, but that's the way it is, that's life."

Despite playing the full 120 minutes, Bacha did not step up to take one of France's seven penalties, as Berger stopped two to send her country through to their 10th Euro semi-final.

France saw two goals ruled out during regular time, as Delphine Cascarino's creative flick and Geyoro's rebound were both chalked out for offside.

Melvine Malard rattled the bar from long range in the dying seconds of extra-time, but not before Bacha had given away a 69th-minute penalty, which French 'keeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin saved from Nusken.

"They played an exceptional match because, even with 10 players, they held their own," continued Bacha.

"We had two goals disallowed and hit the crossbar. And you know, penalties are a 50-50 chance.

"I don't really have the words. I don't know what to say exactly, but it's the end of an adventure."

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France manager Laurent Bonadei added that he wanted to see a more clinical edge from his players, but hailed his opponents as "heroic".

Bonadei said: "They were a little bit rushed, the players. They made some mistakes they could have avoided. And then in the box, I think they needed some more finishing.

"And then time went by and we saw that they were getting, you know, tired, wear and tear, but the German team was heroic.

"The goalkeeper made amazing saves, keeping the score even until extra time and securing the penalty shootout."

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