World No. 3 Germany defeats No. 10 France in penalty shootout, advances to UEFA Women’s Euro semi

The GIST: And just like that, the UEFA Women’s Euro semis are set. But before we preview what’s to come, we simply must recap the jaw-dropping action from this weekend’s quarter-finals (QF). Let’s go.

😱 World No. 3 Germany goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger leads her team to penalty shootout win: Berger channeled her inner Elphaba against No. 10 France on Saturday, recording multiple gravity-defying saves to help her squad advance despite competing down a player for much of the game thanks to an early red card.

• Onto the next one: Die Nationalelf faces No. 2 Spain — who, as expected, prevailed over hosts No. 23 Switzerland 2–0 in Friday’s QF — on Wednesday.

👀 But first, it’s No. 5 England vs. No. 13 Italy in tomorrow’s 3 p.m. ET semi: Sadly amid disturbing allegations of racist abuse directed at defender Jess Carter, the defending champ Lionesses are preparing for a second straight semis appearance. In good news for England fans, captain Leah Williamson will likely be available after an injury scare.

• This England squad is notorious for their slow starts, an especially bad look against Italy, who have scored first in all four of their matches this tourney. One Italian player to watch? Captain Cristiana Girelli, who scored twice in their QF dub. Bellissimo.