Goalkeeper Berger takes DFB to the semi-finals
The German national team is in the semi-finals of the women's Olympic football tournament. The team of coach Horst Hrubesch squeaked into the penalty shootout, where goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger became the heroine.
The dream is alive, Paris is within reach: The German women's football team has kept its nerve in an Olympic penalty thriller and is now going for the medals. The team of outgoing coach Horst Hrubesch defeated Canada 4-2 in the quarter-finals in Marseille, having previously drawn 0-0 after 120 minutes against the Tokyo gold medalists. On Tuesday (6 p.m./ARD and Eurosport), there is a chance for revenge against record Olympic champions USA after a 1:4 defeat in the group stage.
Ann-Katrin Berger became the German heroine, saving penalties from Ashley Lawrence and Adriana Leon and then scoring herself. The German women's team has only gone home from the Olympics without a medal once, winning gold once and bronze three times in their five appearances. Reaching the final in Paris would also mean a few nights in the Olympic village.
Drone scandal didn't hold Canada back
Canada had written an remarkable story in the group stage. Despite the drone spying scandal and a six-point deduction, the Tokyo Olympic champions seemed unaffected, winning all three group games after the suspension of head coach Bev Priestman - and advancing to the round of 16. It was therefore important for Germany that top striker Lea Schüller and central defenders Marina Hegering and Kathrin Hendrich could play in the "50:50 game" (Hrubesch).
The German women started better, shaking off their nerves more quickly in the 33-degree heat at the Stade Velodrome. After a perfect chip pass from Janina Minge, Schüller found herself alone in front of goal, but her shot was completely off target (11'). The German team combined well, dominating the game. Klara Bühl was denied by a strong foot save from Kailen Sheridan after a dream pass from Jule Brand (18').
The Canadians, coached by interim coach Andy Spence, barely managed anything going forward before the break, stringing together mistake after mistake in the final third. As Germany also ran out of ideas as the game wore on, the game mainly meandered in midfield.
Berger saves twice
After the break, the Hrubesch team initially remained the more active team, but lacked clarity in the final pass. Many promising attacks were not finished. Canada woke up after about 60 minutes, suddenly investing more in attack. Cloe Lacasse forced a first save from Ann-Katrin Berger, who was previously under criticism (70'), before the goalkeeper saved brilliantly with her foot in a one-on-one against Adriana Leon (71').
The German team now looked completely exhausted, struggling to get out of their own half. Janine Beckie missed by a whisker with a late goal (90.+5) - and the German team woke up again in extra time, Sydney Lohmann hitting the bar (113'). The decision was made in the penalty shootout.
In the thrilling quarter-final match, the DFB team showed resilience, overcoming Canada 4-2 in a penalty shootout to advance.Ann-Katrin Berger, the goalkeeper of the DFB team, proved to be the heroine, saving crucial penalties from Ashley Lawrence and Adriana Leon prior to scoring one herself.
