France and Germany share a storied rivalry in women’s football, but in recent times, Germany has had the upper hand in their encounters. The Euro 2025 quarterfinals in Basel on Saturday will mark another clash between these long-standing adversaries. France last managed to defeat Germany in a competitive match back in February 2024, winning 2-1 in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals in Lyon. Before that victory, Germany had a strong record, dominating their previous five encounters. On the club scene, German teams have secured nine of the first 14 UEFA Women’s Champions League titles since 2001, with clubs like Turbine Potsdam, FFC Frankfurt, and VFL Wolfsburg amongst the winners. On the international stage, Germany has clinched six European Championships from 1995 to 2013 and two World Cups in 2003 and 2007.
In recent years, the rise of Olympique Lyonnais, champions of eight out of 12 UWCL tournaments from 2010 to 2022, has helped France close the competitive gap domestically. However, they have yet to achieve significant success at the international level, often falling short against Germany. Since 2005, in the last 11 meetings, Germany has won seven times, with two draws and two victories for France. A French adage suggests that Germany is somewhat of a bogey team for them.
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Historically, many of their encounters take place before the tournament’s latter stages. France has struggled to advance past the quarterfinals in all competitions since 1997, with the exception of the 2011 World Cup. Even in the Euro 2022 tournament’s semi-finals, they faced Germany again, where France drew 1-1 until Alexandra Pop scored, once again shattering French hopes.
So, what might change in 2025?
France appears to be rejuvenated, featuring a new head coach, Laurent Bonadei, who has only recently taken the helm. The team has transitioned away from veteran players, including longtime captain Wendy Leonard and all-time top scorer Eugenie Le Sommer. They excelled in the group stage, winning all three matches, delivering impressive performances against England and demonstrating resilience against the Netherlands, boosting their confidence. In contrast, Germany hasn’t showcased its best form recently, struggling through a challenging defeat to Sweden, though they remain a historically successful side.
While Germany may still hold a psychological edge from their winning history, Bonadei is working hard to foster a winning mindset among his players, and it seems to be paying off. New captain Gridge Mbok Batay recently stated, “We’re not intimidated by them; we’re focused on playing our game. Our victory in February (the Nations League) was a significant boost for us.”
In their downtime, players enjoy relaxing and playing card games, engaging in passionate UNO matches. Older team members prefer the French card game Bellot, and darts competitions are also favored, with Mbok showcasing her skill, even defeating the coach!
Bonadei is fully aware of the significance of the Germany match. It’s a pivotal game for him to advance to another Euro semi-final and an excellent chance for both teams to measure their strengths ahead of the two-legged Nations League semi-finals in October against either Sweden or Spain. “This match serves as a crucial benchmark before our national leagues resume,” he noted, recalling the meaningful history between France and Germany, particularly the 1982 match when the French men’s team lost a decisive penalty shootout after leading 3-1.
The players know each other well, having played together in youth international competitions and club levels, leaving no secrets between the teams. However, for the first time in a long while, France seems to hold the momentum. If the Blues can break their quarterfinal jinx and progress to the semi-finals, especially against Germany, it would be monumental.
Fan Take: This matchup matters not only for the triumph of national pride but also for the evolution of women’s football, showcasing the increasing competitiveness of teams like France. A victory for France could signify a shift in dominance, potentially altering the landscape of international women’s soccer for years to come.
