For the second time at the 2016 Olympics Canada and Germany face off in the women’s soccer tournament. While the teams met for the first time in Group F play, this matchup is for a spot in the Gold Medal Match.
In that first game, Canada defeated Germany 2-1 despite recording fewer shots and holding less possession than the Germans. Canada fell behind within the first 15 minutes of the match, but two Melissa Tancredi goals were enough to give Canada the win.
Canada is the only team to win all four of its matches as it defeated France, the third ranked team in the world, in the quarterfinals.
Canada’s captain is three-time Olympian Christine Sinclair who has scored two goals at the 2016 Olympics. Many Olympics fans will remember Sinclair for her hat-trick performance in the 2012 Olympic semifinal match against the U.S.
However, Sinclair does not lead her team in scoring at these Olympics. That honor belongs to Janine Beckie, who has scored three goals for Canada. The 21-year-old forward who was born in Colorado, began playing for Canada, where her parents were born, after she had been released by the U-20 U.S. program.
Germany, ranked second in the world, got off to a slow start at the Olympics earning one win, one loss and one tie in group play. However, that was enough to clinch a spot in the quarterfinals where the team dominated China to advance to the semifinals.
Midfielder Melanie Behringer has four goals to lead the way for Germany, including the team’s game-winner against China.
These are two of the top women’s soccer teams in the world that appear to be on form after their quarterfinal victories.
Canada and Germany will play for a spot in the Gold Medal Match on Tuesday, Aug. 16 at 3:00 p.m. ET. The match will be streamed live on NBCOlympics.com.