Berger’s journey from cancer to shootout hero

Right now, all we have is.

German goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger has the five words tattooed on her neck.

Berger’s words physically represent her journey through cancer recovery, covering up her scars from her treatment, and they also have meaning in themselves.

Berger had previously participated in the German squad that reached the Euro 2022 final, but during the tournament she discovered that her thyroid cancer had returned for the second time after four years without.

After three years, Berger is now fully recovered and performing at the highest level for her country.

After only 10 players were allowed to play in the 13th minute against France when Kathrin Hendrich was flagged off for foolishly pulling Griedge Mbock by her hair in the penalty area, Christian Wuck’s team brilliantly fought to force extra time and penalties.

Berger stood out despite his outstanding teamwork, which showed that Germany could outperform the odds.

She had already saved nine penalties, which was the most by a goalkeeper in a Euros knockout stage match since 2013.

In a number of crucial moments, including a diving one-handed save to deny a backwards header from her own player, she saved Germany.

Then the shootout broke out. She saved Amel Majri’s opening penalty to make it 2-0, scored it herself, and saved Sara Dabritz’s miss by making a diving save to keep Alice Sombath out.

When asked to reflect on her journey from receiving a cancer diagnosis to the present, Berger responded, “I am not really an emotional person.”

“I’m just proud to be here,” I thought. I’m looking forward to the future and what happened in 2022 because I live to be best and in the semi-final.

Berger, who is engaged to England defender Jess Carter, has spent years preparing for even competing in a European Championship.

Berger was first diagnosed with cancer in 2017 while playing for Birmingham City, but she later recovered and was named in the Professional Footballers’ Association’s 2017 team.

After that, she spent five Women’s Super League titles with Chelsea before joining US side Gotham FC last year.

After the game, Wuck said, “She is a player who has had extreme experiences.”

That character trait is extremely crucial. I believe that her patience, patience, and calmness, as well as her faith and life path, have helped her succeed in today.

Berger, who was named the match’s player, warned that reporters shouldn’t focus on Berger’s performance.

“The team deserves all the credit, not me,” he said. Everyone in this room should talk about the team’s performance because it was amazing and incredible, she said, perhaps it was the decisive penalty shootout.

Sjoeke Nusken, a midfielder for Germany, said she was always confident that the team would win on penalties despite Berger’s lack of experience.

She said, “We are very good at this because we knew we had Ann-Katrin Berger.”

She is a fantastic goalkeeper. I was certain she would save penalties because she is so calm and clever. She joins our team, and we’re thrilled.

After England beat Sweden in a shootout that lacked quality in comparison to the displays of Germany and France, the second quarter-final was decided by penalties.

Former England keeper Karen Bardsley praised the two outstanding performances that goalkeepers have recently provided.

“Hannah Hampton won the match against Sweden as player of the match.” I’m so happy to see goalkeepers getting the credit they deserve, even through a slightly biased lens.

Even though I’m not German, I’d be so proud to support these girls for playing this game in such challenging circumstances.