USA Beat Germany for Shot at Gold
USA 1 – 0 Germany in extra time to progress to Olympic Women’s Football Final.
The United States have been a force to reckon with in the Olympics, with an impressive goal haul along the way. They handed Germany a resounding 4-1 defeat in the group stage but Germany proved harder to break down in this semifinal encounter.
The demanding schedule of the Olympics had clearly taken its toll on players, with some tired performances. Sophia Smith didn’t appear to be overly affected by the intense playing schedule, running the hard yards and ensuring Germany had to be on full alert throughout the game.
Berger unable to repeat quarterfinal heroics
A goalless 90 minutes ensued before Sophia Smith clinically put the United States ahead. Ann-Katrin Berger had been the hero for Germany a few days earlier, with penalty saves and converting her own penalty . However, there was nothing she could do about Smith’s goal. Quickly pouncing on a loose ball, Smith rifled the ball into the net with what would be the winning goal of the tie.
United States will now play Brazil for the gold medal, after the Brazilians overcame Spain in a thrilling 4-2 victory.