Canada women's soccer team ends scandal-plagued Olympic run in penalty shootout loss to Germany
Sat, Aug 3, 2024
Soccer News (AP)
MARSEILLE, France (AP) - Canada women's soccer team lost a penalty shootout to Germany in the quarterfinals of the Paris Games on Saturday, ending an Olympic run marred by a drone-spying scandal.
Goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger saved two penalties then converted on her own attempt to send Germany into the semifinals with a 4-2 shootout win after a scoreless draw through extra time.
Germany, which won the gold medal at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, will play the United States in the semifinals Tuesday in Lyon. The United States defeated Germany 4-1 earlier in the tournament.
Sydney Lohmann nearly scored for Germany in the second extra period but her header from some six yards out just skimmed the crossbar.
Adriana Leon had perhaps the best chance of the match for Canada in the 71st minute when she threatened on a fast break, but Berger was ready.
Canada went undefeated in the group stage and reached the quarterfinals despite having six points deducted from the standings after team staff were accused of using a drone to film an opponent.
Canada clinched its quarterfinals spot as a third-place team with a 1-0 win over Colombia. Hours before the game on Wednesday, Canada lost its appeal of the FIFA's points deduction before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
FIFA, soccer's governing body, also banned Canada coach Bev Priestman for a year and fined Canada soccer $227,000.
Before the tournament's start, New Zealand reported a drone flying above training. Authorities later detained a Canada team analyst and confiscated surveillance equipment.
Two staff members were immediately sent home and Priestman removed herself from the Olympic opener.
But Canada Soccer CEO and general secretary Kevin Blue said evidence came to light that the surveillance was a "systemic ethical shortcoming," and Priestman was also sent home. Andy Spence was leading the team in her place.
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Canada forward Jordyn Huitema's mother, Julie Huitema, was among the Canadian supporters at the match. She suggested the players have come together in the face of the scandal.
"They're meshing like they've never meshed before," Julie Huitema said. "They're bringing each other up."
Canada captain Jessie Fleming was injured at the end of the first half. She did not return after halftime.
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AP reporter Giovanna Dell'Orto in Marseille contributed this report.
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AP Summer Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games
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