Thorns FC and Germany Women's National Team captain Nadine Angerer came up with a big play when it mattered most as she sent Germany to the semifinals of the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup. Tied at 4 penalty kicks apiece, Angerer dove to her left to make the stop on France's Claire Lagovez attempt.
The penalty-kick save was not the first in a FIFA Women's World Cup for Angerer. In the 2007 Women's World Cup Final, Angerer saved a penalty kick against Marta to help guide Germany to a 2-0 win over Brazil and lift the trophy.
Louisa Necib gave France a 1-0 lead as her long-range effort deflected off a German defender and past the outstretched arms of Angerer in the 64th minute. Germany searching for an equalizer found its answer through the tournament's leading goal scorer, Celia Sasic, who stepped to the penalty spot and scored her sixth goal of the tournament in the 84th minute after France was whistled for a handball in the box.
Angerer made three saves in the game, including a key stop in the 38th minute as Necib unleashed a shot with a half volley from inside the box and Angerer reacted quicky as she moved to her right to make the save.
Germany is on to the semifinals and will face either the U.S. or China on Tuesday, June 30, at 4 p.m. (Pacific) on FOX.
