Cancer survivor Berger's heroics rescue Germany

The header from Janina Minge looped horribly for Germany, taking on a sort of vicious arc that could only come from a bad accident, or a cruel twist of fate.

- JAMIE BRAIDWOOD

Ann-Katrin Berger had already taken a couple of paces off her line in anticipation of Selma Bacha's in-swinging cross, then made another two quick steps forward as she decided she was going to try and collect it. When Minge leapt, sending the ball back towards goal, Berger seemed stranded out of position, the goalkeeper’s left foot touching the six-yard line.

It’s a goal, it has to be. Germany are a player down and hanging on for penalties, but this is the first time since their early red card that those in white have stopped. They stand frozen to the spot as if momentarily accepting their fate. Berger, though, is still alive to the moment. If there is anyone who knows anything about refusing to accept the hand that life has dealt, it is the 34-year-old goalkeeper, who has spun around and taken huge strides while France’s players are raising their arms in celebration.