2024 Olympics: Ann-Katrin Berger nets decisive penalty to send Germany to semis | OneFootball

A nail-biting penalty shootout saw Germany through to the semi-finals of the 2024 Olympics over Canada. Spot-kicks were needed to decide the winner after a nervy and closely fought contest.

For Canada, their dream of retaining their Olympic title comes to an end as they bow out of the tournament at the quarter-final stage.

Starting XIs

Canada

Sheridan; Carle, Buchanan, Quinn, Huitema, Lawrence, Rose, Awujo, Gilles, Prince, Fleming

Germany

Berger; Hendrich, Hegering, Minge, Schüller, Nüsken, Popp, Gwinn, Brand, Bühl, Rauch

How it went

A quiet first half provided few chances for either side. While Germany initially got the game off to a brighter start, they were unable to find any clear cut opportunities to break the deadlock. Canada had a handful of chances, gaining a stronger foothold as the game drew on.

The second half was far from a classic. Canada dominated large spells of the play, however they lacked the clinical edge needed in front of goal. With the tie goalless as the 90 minutes approached, the game headed into extra time. Germany began to slip further off the pace with the toll of the heavy schedule potentially beginning to show.

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With no one on the scoresheet after 120 minutes, the game headed to penalties to decide who would advance to the semi-finals. Missed penalties from Ashley Lawrence, Adriana Leon and Sydney Lohmann saw Ann-Katrin Berger step up to take the decisive penalty.

The German goalkeeper stepped up to the spot and slotted her effort beyond Kailen Sheridan to send her nation through to the last four.

Semi-finals

Germany will take on the USA in the 2024 Olympics semi-finals after the four-time gold medallists pulled off a narrow 1-0 victory over Japan. The two sides will meet at the Groupama Stadium on Tuesday as they look to secure their spot in the final.

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