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Two-time winners Germany
Updated on : 27 June 2015

Two-time winners Germany beat France on penalties to reach the semi-finals of the Women's World Cup in Montreal.

Louisa Necib put France ahead in the second half with a deflected shot but Celia Sasic converted a controversial penalty six minutes from time.

In extra time French substitute Gaetane Thiney missed a sitter from close range as the match went to penalties.

Substitute Claire Lavogez missed the deciding spot-kick as Germany won the shootout 5-4.

It was the first time a Women's World Cup game involving Germany had gone to penalties. But like their male counterparts who have made a habit of winning shootouts, they appeared nerveless as they converted all five of their spot-kicks to advance.

Germany are the reigning European champions and, as the top-ranked side in the world, were favourites to beat the third-ranked French.

But it was France who dominated early on, almost scoring after 49 seconds through Necib, who stabbed her shot wide.

She went close again before the break, but her hooked effort was pushed behind by Germany goalkeeper Nadine Angerer.

German substitute Dzsenifer Marozsan went close in he second half but her free-kick was well saved by Sarah Bouhaddi.

France took the lead as Necib's right-footed shot from the edge of the box was deflected off Annike Krahn and past Angerer.

And they looked set to hold on to a surprise victory until, with six minutes remaining, Leonie Maier's cross struck the arm of left-back Amel Majri. Sasic was typically composed to score her sixth goal of the tournament.

France would have one more glorious chance to win the match when, with five minutes remaining in extra time, Jessica Houara crossed to the unmarked Thiney. But with the goal gaping, she somehow managed to prod wide from six yards.

That miss meant penalties, and nine were scored before Angerer saved from Lavogez to send Germany into their first semi-final since winning the tournament in 2007, where they will meet either China or the United States.


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