For the most part, China was solid during the group stage. After a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Brazil, the Chinese rebounded to defeat a very poor South Africa team and held on for a goalless draw against Sweden to qualify from a group where they were expected to finish last.
The Asian powerhouse adopted a more cautious approach against Sweden to claim the point they needed, and will likely continue with their defensive set-up against a very dangerous German team. The Chinese have fared extremely well on the defensive end of late, recording clean sheets in each of their last two matches.
China will be a threat to score some goals as well, though. They are perfectly comfortable sitting back and waiting for chances to pounce on the counterattack, and in Gu Yasha they have someone who can orchestrate those attacks with precision. Wang Shanshan is also expected to return to the starting XI for China to further boost their attacking options. Germany’s defense has been exposed at times in these Olympic Games, so the Chinese should be able to get one or two very good chances on goal.
Germany will live to fight another day in the 2016 Olympics after they booked a spot in the quarterfinals on Tuesday. Even though they finished the group stages with just one victory in three games, Germany’s four-point tally was enough to send them through to the knockout phase. They will have their work cut out for them, however, in the next round as lying in wait for them in the quarterfinals are Group E runners-up China. The Germans won’t be fazed by that matchup one bit, though, as they have fared extremely well against the Chinese of late. They are unbeaten in their last two meetings with China. The Germans outscored the Chinese, 9-0, during that span.
If they are to continue their dominance of China in this competition, Germany will need to continue their excellent play on the offensive end. The Germans lead the tournament in scoring, with nine goals thus far in these Summer Games. Expected to lead the German attack today is Melanie Behringer. She has scored three goals in Germany’s first three group games. The 30-year-old veteran has scored 32 goals in 120 international appearances for Germany.
Writer’s Prediction
Germany (-255) advances to the semis via penalties.
