Germany secured their place in the semi-finals of the Paris Olympics after a nail-biting penalty shootout against reigning champions Canada. Ann-Katrin Berger’s outstanding performance during the shootout was pivotal in Germany’s victory.
The quarter-final match started with Canada showing promise, creating several good opportunities within the first nine minutes. Shortly after, Germany’s Schüller had an excellent chance on goal but failed to score.
Germany’s Buhl had the best opportunity of the game just after the 15th minute, but Canada’s goalkeeper Sheridan made a remarkable save with her feet, denying Buhl and keeping the game scoreless.
Germany continued to look dangerous with Schüller getting another chance, but Canada’s defence managed to clear the ball for a corner. Canada soon countered, with Quinn attempting a long-range shot following a well-orchestrated attack by Jade Rose, but the shot flew over the bar.
Klara Buhl was a standout in the first half, creating chances and winning corners for Germany. Canada’s captain, Jessie Fleming, found herself unmarked near the goalpost, offering a promising moment for her team.
Just before halftime, a nasty collision between Germany’s Hegering and Fleming caused a brief delay as medical staff attended to the Canadian captain, who sustained a painful-looking head injury.
The first half ended goalless, with Germany having the better chances, but Canada also creating lively opportunities.
The second half began with a substitution for Canada: Jessie Fleming was replaced by Janine Beckie, likely due to the injury she sustained. Kadeisha Buchanan provided stellar defensive work throughout the game, notably making a crucial sliding tackle in the box in the 50th minute.
As the match progressed, Germany’s defence began to show signs of fragility, while Canada’s attackers grew more threatening. Both teams had potential match-winning chances in the final 15 minutes, but neither could find the back of the net.
With the score still 0-0 at the end of regular time, the game headed into 30 minutes of extra time.
In the first half of extra time, Ashley Lawrence showcased her skills by evading four German defenders and taking a shot, but Berger denied her. Canada appeared more likely to score during this period, with Lawrence particularly impressive.
The second half of extra time saw Berger nearly making a costly mistake by coming far out of her net, but Canada couldn’t capitalise. Germany was awarded a free kick just outside the box, and Lohmann’s shot hit the bar, missing a potential game-winning moment.
With the score remaining 0-0, the match was decided by a penalty shootout.
Penalty Shootout:
- Germany: Gwinn scores.
- Canada: Quinn scores.
- Germany: Minge scores.
- Canada: Lawrence’s attempt is saved by Berger.
- Germany: Lohmann’s attempt goes over the bar.
- Canada: Leon’s attempt is saved by Berger.
- Germany: Rauch scores.
- Canada: Beckie must score and does, barely beating Berger.
- Germany: Berger takes the final penalty and scores, winning the match for her team.
It was a tough tournament for the former gold medalists, Canada, who crashed out of the Olympics in the quarter-finals. Germany will now face Emma Hayes’ USA in the semi-final.
Starting XIs
Canada: Sheridan, J.Rose, Gilles, Buchanan, Lawrence, Quinn, Awujo, Fleming (C), Carle, Prince, Huitema.
Germany: Berger, Hendrich, Hegering, Minge, Schuller, Nusken, Popp (C), Gwinn, Brand, Buhl, Rauch.
Featured image courtesy of Steffen Prößdorf via Wikimedia Commons. No changes were made to this image. License details found here.
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