Pre Match Notes

After coming off of a 4-1 win against Zambia, Germany’s Women’s National Team will advance to face Canada in the Olympic Quarterfinals. Canada has successfully won all of their group stage matches. There was some concern for Germany after their 4-1 loss to the U.S. in the group stage, and honestly, the concern still remains, given how unpredictable and inconsistent this German side is. Germany has shown they have the talent and potential to be a threatening team; however, consistency is something Germany still needs to build.

While Germany performed better against Zambia, with goals from Lea Schüller, Klara Bühl, and Elisa Senß, the DFB Frauen are likely to face some challenge from Canada. These challenges could be similar to what Germany had faced against the U.S. Control and possession in the midfield is going to be important for Germany, as Canada will be fighting for it as well. Germany needs to make sure they can shut down Canada’s attack. They need to defend their wings, mark players, and close down open spaces in their box. Because of that there needs to be strong support in the defense.

Canada’s backline is also going to be difficult to breakthrough. With that in mind there needs to be more consistency in the German attack, in regard to connection, support, and finishing. The team needs to take advantage of every opportunity they get, every chance they create, because the goals may not come easy in this match.

Line Up

Starting Eleven: We have Ann-Katrin Berger in the goal. For defenders Kathrin Hendrich, Marina Hegering, Felicitas Rauch, and Guilia Gwinn. In the midfield and attack: Janina Minge, Alexandra Popp, Sjoeke Nüsken, Jule Brand, Klara Bühl, and Lea Schüller.

First Half Notes

Germany 0-0.

It’s not a bad first half from Germany. They are facing some challenge and pressure in the midfield from Canada, but Germany was handling it well. The attack was getting forward and creating some chances; however, Germany may need to be quicker with their crosses, services and touches into the box. Connection in the box is still lacking, but it could start to improve in the second half. There needs to be more support in the attack and in the box. Perhaps bringing on Lohmann or Endemann could be a good change of pace. Germany, while they were able to break through Canada’s backline, may need to approach this half differently

In regard to Germany’s defending, the team is doing well when it comes to holding off Canada’s attack, and recovering possession. Going into the second half, they may have to be more cautious especially when it comes to Canada’s transitions and counterattack. Canada is likely to increase their pressure on the German backline, and the team has to be ready to counter that.

Hopefully, in the second half we’ll start seeing better connection in the German attack, in addition to some goals.

Second Half Notes

Germany 0-0.

The biggest problem for Germany in this half is their lack of control in the midfield. The second half started off well, with the attack getting forward. Lohmann and Endemann would come in as well. Unfortunately, Germany’s midfield control midway through the second half was virtually nonexistent. They need to get back in control. They need to start getting forward if they want to create chances and make attempts on goal. Again, it goes back to Germany’s control in the midfield. At this point, control and defending is going to be crucial for Germany if they want to make it to the penalty shootout.

First Round of Extra Time

Germany 0-0.

There is some life in this German side. Early on in the first round of extra time, Canada was able to get forward and create some good chances. Towards the end, Germany started to create some as well. If Germany still has it in them, they could try to score in the second round of extra time. However, if the defense and team can keep it together, they could hold out for penalties.

Second Round of Extra Time

Germany 0-0.

This second round of extra time was a lot better for Germany. The attack was able to get forward, but unfortunately, Germany couldn’t finish their chances. The team was still able to fight off Canada’s attack until the very end. Now, it’s time for the penalty shootout.

Penalty Shootout

Germany is going first.

Gwinn converts. Germany 1-0.

Quinn for Canada converts. 1-1 Canada.

Minge converts. Germany 2-1.

Lawrence doesn’t convert. Berger saves. 2-1 Canada.

Lohmann doesn’t convert. Skies it. Germany 2-1.

Leon doesn’t convert. Berger saves.  2-1 Canada.

Rauch converts. Germany 3-1.

Beckie converts. Berger saves but doesn’t hold. 3-2 Canada.

Berger converts. Germany 4-2.

Germany wins the penalty shootout 4-2.

Closing Notes

Germany Wins 4-2.

Ann-Katrin Berger did well with those penalty saves, and because of her Germany moves on to the Olympic Semifinals, where they will be meeting the USWNT. This match against Canada was a tough one. On the bright side, Germany’s defense did well when it came to holding off Canada’s attack. On the other hand, there are still clear problems in the midfield and attack that Germany needs to sort out ahead of their meeting with the U.S. There were still good moments in both halves, and in extra time, where Germany was able to get their attack forward and create chances; however, the team is still lacking when it comes to consistency, cohesion and organization in the midfield and attack. Rotating the midfield and attack could help the team, but that decision lies with the head coach.