Ann-Katrin Berger, the goalkeeper, made two crucial penalty saves and scored the winning goal in the shootout to knock the reigning champions, Canada, out of the Olympic women’s football tournament on Saturday. Germany’s victory took them into the semi-finals, along with Spain and the United States.
The quarter-final match in Marseille ended in a goalless draw after extra time, but Germany emerged victorious in the penalty shootout with a 4-2 score, thanks to Berger’s outstanding performance.
Canada, who secured gold in the previous Olympics in Tokyo, showed resilience in reaching the last eight this time despite being penalized six points during the group stage. This penalty came after a staff member used a drone to spy on a New Zealand training session before the tournament, leading to FIFA’s sanctions, including a fine of 200,000 Swiss francs ($226,000).
As a consequence of the scandal, Canada’s coach, Bev Priestman, received a one-year ban. Assistant coach Andy Spence took over in an interim capacity. Despite an unsuccessful appeal against the points deduction, Canada won all three group matches to advance to the quarter-finals.
Germany will face the United States in the semi-finals on Tuesday in Lyon, after the US defeated Japan 1-0 in extra time in Paris.
• Rodman’s goal sinks Japan –
Trinity Rodman scored the decisive goal just before half-time in extra time to secure a hard-fought victory for the USA against Japan. Under the guidance of new English coach Emma Hayes, the USA is aiming to win its fifth women’s football gold medal, the first since the 2012 London Olympics final against Japan
Japan, with only one Olympic women’s football silver medal to their name, put up a strong defense throughout the game but eventually succumbed to Rodman’s brilliant strike.
The presence of Snoop Dogg, working for US television at the Olympics, added excitement to the game for many spectators. Japan’s defensive approach allowed the US to dominate possession without much attacking threat until Rodman’s spectacular goal.
In another thrilling encounter, Spain overcame a tough challenge from Colombia, winning 4-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in Lyon. Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati converted the decisive penalty kick for Spain.
Spain’s journey to the semi-finals involves a clash with hosts France or Brazil, who will compete later. Making their Olympic women’s football debut with their sights set on gold, Spain faced a daunting 2-0 deficit before mounting a remarkable comeback.
After falling behind to an early goal by Mayra Ramirez and a second-half strike by Leicy Santos, the world champions staged a comeback. Jennifer Hermoso and Irene Paredes scored to level the match, sending it to extra time, where no more goals were scored, leading to a dramatic penalty shootout. Spain converted all their penalty kicks to secure a spot in the semi-finals.
AFP