The United States and Germany will face each other for the other spot in the final.
MADRID, 3 Ago. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Brazilian women’s football team, with a solitary goal from Gabi Portilho in the 82nd minute, eliminated France in the quarter-finals of the Paris Olympic Games on Saturday (0-1) to meet Spain in the fight for the medals, while the United States, who beat Japan in extra time (1-0), and Germany, who beat Canada on penalties (0-0, 2-4 on penalties), will play the other semi-final.
The ‘canarinha’, who qualified for the quarter-finals as one of the best third-placed teams, overcame the favouritism of the host and the absence of the legendary Marta, who had to serve a one-match ban after being sent off against Spain (0-2) for a very harsh tackle on Olga Carmona in the last match of the group stage.
The French team, who finished top of their group and runners-up in the Nations League, could have taken the lead in the first half of the match at the Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes after the referee awarded a penalty after the first quarter of an hour, but Sakina Karchaoui missed the spot-kick against Lorraine.
In the 82nd minute, Adriana set up Gabi Portilho, who, in the face of a passive French defence, faced goalkeeper Constance Picaud and managed to open the scoring. Hervé Renard’s team tried to equalise, but Brazil held on to the result and spoiled the party for the hosts. They will therefore meet Spain next Tuesday at the Vélodrome in Marseille.
At the Parc des Princes, Trinity Rodman’s goal in extra time gave the United States a 1-0 win over Japan and a place in the penultimate round of the tournament. In a repeat of the London 2012 final, the Japanese team caused problems for Emma Hayes’ team, who had to wait until the first half of extra time to get past the staunch Japanese defence with a shot from the Washington Spirit player straight into the top corner (min. 105+2).
The Americans will now play for a ticket to the final against Germany, who reached the semi-finals after beating Canada in a penalty shoot-out (0-0, 2-4 on penalties) with a sensational performance by their goalkeeper, Ann-Katrin Berger.
At the Vélodrome in Marseille, the Chelsea goalkeeper stopped two shots and gave the Germans the pass by scoring the fifth and final goal, all after a match in which the North American team was superior, especially in extra time when Ashley Lawrence missed a very clear chance.