The third quarter final of the day sees Canada going head to head with Germany. The teams have met 6 times in total, their most recent meeting being in February 2022, with the reds coming out on top.
The first quarter final saw Japan and the USA battle it out, with Trinity Rodman's 107th minute goal knocking out the Asian side. A tough game for Colombia saw Spain come out on top, drawing 2-2 in standard time, with the game going to penalties, Colombia scoring 2 and Spain scoring 4.
An immediate press from Germany puts the reds defence under pressure from the break, however coming to no avail.
The Canadian’s line up in a 4-2-3-1, with Nichelle Prince replacing Aston Villa’s Adriana Leon. The Germans chose to stick with their 4-4-2 lineup, with the only major change in their starting XI being captain Popp taking the spot at striker, and Sjoeke Nüsken dropping down to midfield.
The first major chance of the game came from Germany’s Lea Schüller in the 10th minute, the ball curling just over the crossbar, putting no pressure on Kailen Sheridan. Schüller has been a major threat in this competition, netting 3 goals already.
A wonder shot from Bayern Munich’s Klara Bühl in the 18th minute was stopped by Sheridan, keeping the score level. A 37th minute free kick from Fleming falls nicely for Huitema, but the Canadian cannot connect with the ball.
Ann-Katrin Berger made her first stop of the game in the 44th minute, a switch from Lawrence took the ball to Huitema, with her cross falling straight into the arms of the German. A nasty collision between Hegering and Fleming stops the play just before half time.
The first half proved how difficult this game has been for both sides, with almost even possession, the German’s coming out on top with 3 shots, 1 on target, compared to Canada’s single, off target, shot.
Both teams also showed their physicality with multiple fouls coming in from either side, most notably Marina Hegering’s attempted header, which caused her to land on the head of Jessie Fleming, who came off at half time.
Just minutes into the second half, a major interception from Vanessa Gilles stops Schüller’s second chance of the game. A third shot from Schüller was stopped by Chelsea’s Kadeisha Buchanan.
Three impeccable stops from Germany stopped Canada’s second chance of the game, putting it out for a corner. Gilles’ header flies over the net.The counterattack from Germany comes close to a goal, but Canada’s defence manages to stop the ball meeting Nüsken.
An eager shot from substitute Adriana Leon cannot find the target. An out of range attempt from Cloe Lacasse is easily stopped by Berger. A one-on-one battle between Leon and Berger in the 71st minute cannot find the back of the net, an incredible save by the NJ/NY Gotham FC keeper.
Canada remained high on the attack, despite having less possession, however a weak shot from Viens was once again easily stopped by Berger. Incredible play from both teams, however Canada came out on top with more attempts at goal.
The first and only yellow card of the game came 79 minutes in, being awarded to Jule Brand who had already made a few rough challenges.
Jule Brand’s cross narrowly misses the head of Schüller at the end of the half, and is knocked out by Sheridan. Germany finally finding their footing, and having a few chances at goal towards the end of injury time, Canada fast on the counterattack with Beckie’s shot curling just wide.
A very high intensity game for both sides as they head into extra time, chance after chance at goal but remaining 0-0 at the end of the 90 minutes. Canada was definitely disappointed to be goalless with 4 of their 12 shots being on target, compared to Germany’s 7 shots with 1 on target.
Ashley Lawrence’ edge of the box shot puts high pressure on Berger, swinging in towards the near post, but cannot make its way past the keeper. Miscommunication from Germany’s backline almost leads to a major mistake, but is cleared by Berger. Lawrence once again chips the ball over Berger, who makes a goal line save which is cleared by Felicitas Rauch.
Another effort from Jule Brand in the 105th minute cannot find any of her teammates. She continues her high press with another attempt just yards out from goal, which is stopped by Viens, repeatedly showing she is a major asset to the team
113th minute free kick meets the head of Sydney Lohmann, but connects with the crossbar before being knocked out by Sheridan, Sheridan has been a powerhouse for Canada, making countless decisive saves for the reds.
After a long 120 minutes, the penalty shootout sees defeat for reigning champions Canada. After a strong run in the 2024 Paris Olympics, they fell unlucky, only scoring 2 of their penalties, with Germany scoring 4. Germany will progress to play the United States in the semi final on August 6th at 5pm (BST) in Marseille.
Starting XIs:
Canada: Sheridan, J.Rose, Gilles, Buchanan, Lawrence, Quinn, Awujo, Fleming [C], Carle, Prince, Huitema
Germany: Berger, Hendrich, Hegering, Minge, Schüller, Nüsken, Popp [C], Gwinn, Brand, Bühl, Rauch
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