Germany tops France on PKs

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MONTREAL (AP) — Celia Sasic tied the score in the 84th minute, Nadine Angerer stopped Claire Lavogez in the final attempt of a shootout and Germany beat France 5-4 on penalty kicks after a 1-1 tie Friday to reach the Women’s World Cup semifinals.

The 2003 and ‘07 World Cup champions will play Tuesday against the United States or China.

It was the first World Cup win on penalty kicks for the German women. And the eight-time European champions have a chance to add another trophy after their win over No. 3 France in a match that was seen as an “early final.”

“Everyone says, ‘You had a great game. You are at the level of Germany,’ But we lost,” France coach Philippe Bergeroo said. “So what matters is to learn, to learn that to dominate doesn’t mean that you’ll win. They need to learn what will allow them to win games in the future.”

Louisa Necib put France ahead in the 64th minute, but Sasic scored the equalizer on a penalty kick after a hand ball in the penalty area.

Germany entered as the No. 1 team in the FIFA rankings. But the Germans were dominated by Les Bleues early.

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