By Kieran Petrik-Bruce 4/8/24
Above: Germany celebrate the penalty shootout win over Canada. Photo: DFB
Germany are through after some penalty shoot out heroics from Ann-Katrin Berger. Saving two of the spot kicks before converting the winning penalty, Berger produced a fantastic game to knock Canada out of the tournament.
For 120 minutes, it seemed both teams were content to play a cat and mouse kind of match.
It was clear early that Germany were looking to play fast and hit first time balls through the middle, via Alexandra Popp, who was again playing in that deeper midfield role for Germany. Giulia Gwinn started sharp as well, the right back cutting out on the stretch a ball down the wing in the opening minutes and also getting into dangerous positions going forward.
The first real chance came via lovely run down the right, as Jule Brand jinxed through the middle with the ball resulting in a shot from Klara Brül which was well saved by Kailen Sheridan.
The rest of the first half was largely uneventful save for the 5 minutes the crowd got involved with the Mexican Wave. A couple of half chances and nearly moments for both teams. But both Sheridan and Berger remained largely unchallenged. Canadian captain Jessie Fleming was involved in a heavy clash right before the half ended and was subsequently taken off during the break.
The second half saw Germany lift the tempo, and the first 10 minutes was one way traffic. But much like the first half the chances were not clear cut and the great play outside the box could not be converted into opportunities, nevertheless, Germany looked likely to find something. A triple change on the 57′ mark was exactly the boost the Canadians needed. Cloe Lacasse and Adriana Leon both providing spark and dare with their play and signalling a chance in momentum.
Suddenly the game had more zest. Both teams knocking at the door, but it was Canada who would have the best chance. Released one on one with the keeper, Leon had the chance to give Canada the lead, yet it was Berger, fully stretched, and out quickly to deny with a fantastic save who rose to the moment. Despite missing a golden opportunity, Canada remained set to the task and kept pressing. Just after the cooling break, Canada whipped in a corner which was well claimed by Berger, who copped a knock in the process and was in the hands of the trainers for a few minutes.
The rest of the 90 was again much of the same. Some good looks and getting the ball up the pitch but a lack of committed bodies in the box resulting in most attacks fizzling out.
Extra time and within a few minutes, Ashley Lawrence expertly cut inside to fire a shot which was well saved and then held by Berger. Again though, neither team willing to risk much. The second half of extra time saw chaos almost immediately, with Berger coming well out and it was the great defending of Gwinn, heading a ball well clear of danger, to the recuse for the Germans.
The final few minutes had as much action as the first 90, with Sydney Lohmann being brought down just outside the box and the resulting free kick finding a head and hitting the crossbar and over. A half chance for Leon at the other end who latched onto a cross and saw her shot fire just wide. With no winner, it would come down to penalties.
Gwinn and Quinn both with excellent penalties to start, Janina Minge cooling converting before Berger with a fantastic save to her right to deny Lawrence. 2-1 Germany.
Lohmann firing well over the bar but no matter because Berger yet again saving the penalty.
Felicitas Rauch with another textbook spot kick, and Beckie stepped up, and squeezed the shot beyond Berger, the shot looked saved initially, with many believing it was, yet the German Keeper would still have the final say.
Berger, stepping up with all the class and composure of a number nine, slotted the winner to send Germany through to face USA in the semi finals.
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