August 04, (THEWILL) – Goalkeeper, Ann-Katrin Berger, played a crucial role in Germany’s Olympic women’s football quarter-final win against Canada on Saturday. The match in Marseille ended 0-0 after extra time, leading to a penalty shootout where Berger saved two penalties and scored the winning kick. The final score was 4-2 on penalties, sending Germany to the semi-finals alongside Spain, the United States, and Brazil.
Canada, the defending gold medallists from Tokyo 2020, faced significant challenges in the tournament. They were penalised with a six-point deduction and a fine of 200,000 Swiss francs by FIFA for using a drone to observe a New Zealand training session before their opening match. Despite this setback, Canada won all three group games to reach the quarter-finals.
The United States advanced to the semi-finals with a 1-0 victory over Japan in Paris. Trinity Rodman scored the decisive goal just before half-time in extra time, keeping the USA’s hopes alive for a record-extending fifth women’s football gold medal. Spain also progressed after a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout win against Colombia following a 2-2 draw in Lyon.
Brazil completed the semi-final line-up by defeating hosts France 1-0 in Nantes, despite the absence of suspended captain Marta. Gabi Portilho scored the winning goal in the 82nd minute, sending Brazil to face Spain in the next round. The semi-finals are set to take place on Tuesday, with Germany facing the United States in Lyon and Spain meeting Brazil in Marseille.
The Olympic women’s football tournament has provided exciting matches and unexpected turns, setting the stage for compelling semi-final clashes.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
