Canada has surprised just about everyone at every turn in this tournament. The Canadians have won all four of their matches thus far, the only team with a 100 percent record. Their latest success came in a 1-0 triumph over France in the quarterfinals.
Defense has been the key to Canada’s successful run toward a second-consecutive Olympic semifinal. The 2012 bronze medalists have conceded just two goals in this year’s tournament: a late consolation goal against Zimbabwe and an early penalty against Germany in the group stage. And in the quarterfinals, the Canadian defense simply stymied a formidable French attack, holding Les Bleues to just six shots the entire match.
The Canadians know their way in front of goal as well. Christine Sinclair and Janine Beckie led the way with five goals earlier in the tournament, but it’s been a much more concerted team effort for the past couple of games.
Sinclair and Beckie, of course, were rested in their final group game against Germany but the Canadians still came from behind to win 2-1 thanks to two goals from Melissa Tancredi. That win was Canada’s first against the Germans in 13 attempts.
Germany has been far from convincing ever since its 6-1 opening game win over Zimbabawe. Despite thoroughly dominating their next two group games, the Germans still failed to win either. They needed to come from behind to get a 2-2 draw with Australia, and as mentioned earlier, they fell to an under-strength Canada.
The Germans have had a worrying pattern in recent games of dominating possession and creating a boatload of opportunities, but failing to find the net. They followed that pattern once again in the quarterfinals against China. They had 69 percent of the ball and outshot the Chinese 26-1. However, they needed until the 76th minute to finally break down a Chinese team which was down to 10 women by the 57th minute.
Nevertheless, the fact that the talented Germany will likely continue controlling the game against Canada makes them a decent bet to move on to the final. With the sheer volume of goalscoring opportunities they’ve been able to produce – they’re averaging 27 shots (8.5 on target) in the tournament – the goals are bound to come eventually.
Writer’s Prediction
Canada (+225) does the double on Germany as it claims a 2-0 win in their semifinal matchup.
