The semi-finals have been played, and oh my was it an exciting evening. In the end it were the USA and Brazil who have qualified for the final games.
If you’ve missed the results from round 1, click here to read a summary of each game. Looking for the results of round 2, then make sure to click here, and for round 3, click here. Missed the Quarter final matches, click here.
USA – Germany
The United States advanced to the final of the women’s Olympic football tournament for the first time since 2012 by narrowly defeating Germany after extra time.
Sophia Smith delivered the decisive goal for the US. The 23-year-old forward sprinted onto a pass from Mallory Swanson in the 95th minute, skillfully sliding the ball past Germany’s goalkeeper, Ann-Katrin Berger.
Emma Hayes’ team had difficulty breaking through Germany’s solid defense, a stark contrast to their 4-1 victory over the same team in the group stage.
Germany, the Rio 2016 champions, almost pushed the match to penalties, but Laura Freigang’s header was brilliantly saved by US goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher in the 119th minute.
Brazil – Spain
Brazil dominated world champions Spain to set up a rematch of the 2008 Olympic women’s football final against the United States in Paris on Saturday.
An own goal by Irene Paredes gave Brazil an early lead, with Gabi Portilho scoring a second just before half-time, shocking the team widely considered favorites for the gold medal.
Adriana added a third goal for Brazil, who were without their all-time leading scorer Marta, 38, due to suspension after her dismissal in the Group C loss to Spain.
Spain’s coach Montse Tomé made a tactical blunder by not starting Alexia Putellas, a decision that many believe contributed to their defeat. Despite Duda Sampaio’s own goal giving Spain a glimmer of hope, Kerolin broke away during the first of 15 added minutes to score Brazil’s fourth, before Salma Paralluelo netted a late consolation goal.
