France vs. Germany: Battle for a spot in the Women’s Euro 2025 semi-finals

France vs. Germany: A Classic with a Taste of Revenge in the 2025 European Championship

The football rivalry between France and Germany is legendary, but in women’s football, the balance has historically tilted in favor of the Germans. The next chapter of this intense battle will be written in the quarter-finals of the 2025 European Championship, a match that promises strong emotions. The match, which will be played in Basel, comes at a crucial moment. France, which had not managed to beat Germany in important competitions for five matches, broke the streak in February 2024, winning 2-1 in the semi-finals of the UEFA Nations League. However, recent history favors Germany, with a notable dominance at club and national team level. At club level, German teams have won nine of the first 14 UEFA Women’s Champions League titles. In addition, the German national team won six consecutive European Championships between 1995 and 2013, adding two World Cups in 2003 and 2007. In recent years, the growth of Olympique Lyonnais has allowed France to close the gap domestically, but internationally, the French women are still seeking their first major title. In the last 11 encounters since 2005, Germany has won seven times, France two, and there have been two draws. There is a French expression to describe this situation: “bête noire” (black beast). In essence, Germany is France’s “bogeyman”.

• Women’s Euro 2025 table, match results and schedule.

• Favorites analysis: Spain leads, England follows closely.

Historically, most of the matches between both teams have taken place in the early stages of the tournaments. France’s performance in major competitions has been marked by the difficulty of overcoming the quarter-finals, with the exception of the 2011 World Cup. In the 2022 European Championship, France met Germany again in the semi-finals. Despite a 1-1 draw, a goal by Alexandra Popp in the final minutes frustrated French hopes.

France shows confidence and good play in the Eurocup 2025, determined to prove its worth.What has changed for the 2025 tournament? France presents a different picture. With a new coach, Laurent Bonadei, the team is constantly evolving. The team has started a new stage, leaving behind veteran figures like Wendie Renard and Eugénie Le Sommer, and betting on players in their prime, such as Sandy Baltimore, Marie-Antoinette Katoto, Delphine Cascarino, and Grace Geyoro. France won their three group stage matches, with outstanding performances against England and the Netherlands, which gives them confidence to face Germany. For their part, Germany has not shown its best level, especially in its defeat against Sweden, and is in a transition process after years of success.

Although Germany might have a psychological advantage due to their experience in important matches, Bonadei is working on the mental aspect of his players, and it seems to be working. Griedge Mbock Bathy, the new captain, has expressed that they do not fear Germany and that they will play their own game, without inferiority complexes. The ambitions are high and they know how to achieve their goals.

Laurent Bonadei, in charge of the team for a few months.The atmosphere in the French locker room is relaxed, with card games like “Uno”. Mbock demonstrates his skills in the game of darts, even beating his coach. For Bonadei, the match against Germany is special. He will seek to secure a place in another semi-final in the European Championship. The two teams will also face each other in the semi-finals of the Nations League in October, with the possibility of facing Sweden or Spain, which represents a perfect opportunity to assess their level.

It’s a first step before our two Nations League matches. We will approach this match with the confidence we have and to entertain our fans. France against Germany reminds me of memories from my adolescence, not very good like in 1982. If a feeling of revenge can stimulate us, it’s not so bad.

Laurent Bonadei

The closeness between the players of both teams, who have shared experiences in lower categories and at club level, is evident. However, for the first time in a long time, the balance seems to be tilting in favor of France. If “Les Bleues” manage to break their quarter-final curse and advance to the semi-finals against Spain or Switzerland, it would be something special. And doing it against Germany would make it even more memorable.