The campaign of Canada’s women’s soccer team to the quarterfinals of the Paris Olympics came to a halt after a dramatic loss to Germany at Stade de Marseille. By the end of the Olympic soccer event, Germany won 4-2 on penalties after the game went through regulation and extra time, both of which ended in a 0-0 draw, thus dethroning the Canadians.
Despite the Canadians managing to overcome a FIFA penalty due to a drone scandal, they were faced with a difficult encounter against the 2016 Olympic champions. Vanessa Gilles and Janine Beckie tried their best but were defeated, and Germany moved on, Canada looking back at their powerful performance. Let’s dive into the article to know more about the loss of the team.
Canada’s Olympic Run Ends Against Germany
Canada’s women’s soccer team’s campaign at the Paris Olympics came to a halt on Saturday after a quarter-final defeat to Germany at the Stade de Marseille. Germany and Canada played to a 0-0 draw through regulation and 30 minutes of extra time and advanced to penalty kicks, where Germany won 4-2. It guarantees a new Olympic champion because Canada has already won gold at the Tokyo Games in 2021.
“I can’t quite find the tears,” said defender Vanessa Gilles, “I think I shed them all this week.”
The only goal in the penalties was scored by German goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger, who set the match with the United States in the next round. For Canada, Quinn and Janine Beckie scored, while Berger was able to stop shots from Adriana Leon and Ashley Lawrence.
Canada Overcomes Penalty to Reach Knockout Stage:
The Canadians reached the knockout stage despite a six-point penalty from FIFA due to a drone spying scandal. In group play, Canada defeated New Zealand and France 2-1, and they secured a 1-0 win over Colombia.
Although the Canadian team qualified for the playoffs, their second-place finish in Group A led to a tougher quarterfinal matchup against Germany. The Germans, who won Olympic gold in 2016, had a 2-1-0 record in group play. Vanessa Gilles, who had a leg injury in the previous game, returned to the starting lineup. She had scored winning goals in Canada’s earlier matches. Both teams started with 4-4-2 formations in the hot conditions at Stade de Marseille. Germany’s Lea Schuller missed an early scoring chance, and goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan made several key saves to keep Canada in the game.
Canada’s Second-Half Surge and Penalty Scandal:
They struggled initially but gained momentum in the second half. Substitutes Evelyne Viens, Adriana Leon, and Cloe Lacasse brought energy to the team. Leon had a close chance in the 71st minute, but Berger made a crucial save. Canada dominated much of the second half and extra time, with Lawrence and Leon creating scoring opportunities. However, Germany also had chances, including a header by Sydney Lohmann that hit the crossbar.
Canada Soccer faced penalties after a member of the women’s team coaching staff was caught using a drone above a New Zealand practice session. The sport’s governing body imposed a point deduction, a fine, and a one-year suspension for head coach Bev Priestman and two staff members. Interim head coach Andy Spence led the team in Paris. There is no suggestion that the players were involved in the scandal, and Canada Soccer supports a full independent investigation. Canada won the Olympic bronze in 2012 and 2016 before taking gold three years ago at the Tokyo Games.
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