Canada ends preliminary round with 2-1 win over Germany
Melissa Tancredi led Canada to a 2-1 upset win over Germany in Olympic women’s football group stage play on Tuesday.
The win marks the first time Canada has defeated Germany – the No. 2 ranked team by FIFA – in women’s soccer.
RELATED: Tancredi guides Canada to victory
After falling behind early in the match, Tancredi scored in the 26th minute to tie it at 1-1. Then, 15 minutes into the second half, Tancredi got the brace, netting what proved to be the game-winner.
Canada’s Melissa Tancredi celebrates after scoring during a Group F match of the women’s Olympic football tournament between Germany and Canada at the National Stadium, in Brasilia, Brazil, Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2016. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)
The win was made even more impressive by the fact that Canada rested many of its regulars for this game, including Christine Sinclair and Janine Beckie. The squad was also without Kadeisha Buchanan who was serving a suspension.
RELATED: Canada beats Zimbabwe
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The win gives Canada a perfect 3-0 record at Rio 2016, winning Group F. The team has had an impressive tournament so far, upsetting No. 5 ranked Australia in their first game and then dominating Zimbabwe in their second.
The Canadians now move on to the quarterfinals, which will take place on Friday in Sao Paulo. Canada will face No. 3 ranked France.
Canada’s players celebrate after scoring their second goal during a F match of the women’s Olympic football tournament between Germany and Canada at the National Stadium, in Brasilia, Brazil, Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2016. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)
The Germans took a 1-0 lead just 13 minutes in on Tuesday. Canada quickly responded though, as Tancredi fired a low shot from just inside the penalty area to tie the game at 1-1.
In the 60th minute, Rebecca Quinn fired a long free kick into the box where Tancredi headed the ball past the German ‘keeper, putting Canada in front 2-1.
Germany had its chances to tie the match, but goalkeeper Stephanie Labbe and the Canadian defence were able to secure the victory.
