Ann-Katrin Berger is extremely disappointed after Germany’s elimination from the European Championship. The goalkeeper was beaten in the 113th minute of the semi-final by Spain’s Aitana Bonmatí. Berger takes full responsibility for missing out on the final.
While Germany and Spain seemed to be heading for a penalty shootout, Bonmatí suddenly appeared in front of Berger’s goal. The midfielder saw that Berger left her near post open and shot into the near corner.
“It was entirely my fault,” Berger said to the German ARD afterwards. “The near post has to be mine. No matter how many saves I make, I should have had this one. That’s why I’m all the more disappointed.”
The 34-year-old Berger could barely contain her tears. “I really feel for the team. Of course, Bonmatí is a brilliant player, but that’s no excuse. I’m so incredibly disappointed about this.”
Until that one moment in the 113th minute, Berger had an excellent tournament in Switzerland. In the semi-finals, she played a heroic role. With a world-class save, she prevented a goal from the French, after which she became Germany’s star player in the penalty shootout after saving two penalties.
“That only makes the disappointment greater. We gave everything until the last second. One small mistake, one moment of not paying attention, and it’s over. That’s bitter.”