by Oliver Trust
BERLIN, July 20 (Xinhua) -- After a thrilling 6-5 penalty shootout victory over France in the semifinals of the 2025 UEFA Women's Euro in Switzerland, German goalkeeper Ann-Kathrin Berger was quick to deflect attention from herself.
"It's not about me, it's about them. They did all the work," the 34-year-old said, downplaying her two crucial saves and a confidently converted penalty of her own.
Her performance included what several media outlets dubbed the "best save in tournament history" - a breathtaking moment in the 102nd minute when Berger acrobatically arched backward to prevent an own goal, landing hard on her neck and shoulder.
"I don't like to be in the limelight as a keeper, as it always is after a shootout. It was a team effort, and the team deserves the praise," she added, before dedicating the victory to her grandfather in a heartfelt moment on camera.
"This is for you, Grandpa," Berger said, referencing 92-year-old Herbert Horner, who had been watching from her hometown of Goppingen near Stuttgart - having endured the drama of an early red card for Germany in the 13th minute.
"My grandpa has become my most important advisor and reviewer," Berger explained, revealing that his post-match verdict carries more weight than any final score. "His thumbs up or down - that's what counts. He might not know too much about football, but he definitely knows how I've performed."
Ahead of Wednesday's final against Spain, Berger is once again under the spotlight - not only for her sporting heroics, but also for her remarkable resilience off the pitch.
Twice diagnosed with thyroid cancer, in 2017 and again in 2022, Berger's outlook on life was forever changed. Two tattoos reflect her journey: one on her neck reading, "All we have is the now," and a second on her arm depicting a tree and its roots.
"I had the tattoos done to cover my scars from cancer surgery," she said. "So people ask about my tattoos instead of my scars."
Grateful to still be playing the sport she loves and surrounded by family, Berger says her perspective has shifted. "You inevitably see life differently. I live in the present. Tomorrow and yesterday don't exist," said Berger, who has played for Paris Saint-Germain, Birmingham City, Chelsea, and NJ/NY Gotham FC since leaving Germany in 2014.
Asked to attend the post-match press conference, Berger admitted she considered "running away," but ultimately used the opportunity to praise her teammates' spirit.
She also made a tongue-in-cheek apology to the goalkeeping coach, who had carefully prepared notes about France's penalty takers, taped to her water bottle.
"I didn't even look at it once," Berger confessed. "My apologies - I just trusted my instincts."
Later that night, Berger received the approval that mattered most: a thumbs-up from her grandfather, along with his only criticism - "Don't jump so early next time." ■
