Women’s soccer semifinals: Spain plays Brazil, Germany plays the United States

In the Olympic women’s football event, Germany will play the United States in the semi-finals, while Spain will play Brazil following a hectic day of quarterfinal action on Saturday that featured several shootout dramas and late goals.

After a 0-0 draw with Germany in Marseille, the reigning champions Canada’s thrilling journey through the Games came to an end with heartbreaking penalties. Goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger scored the game-winning goal to send “Die Nationalelf” through.

Sydney Lohmann had blasted her shot over the bar, but Berger stopped Ashley Lawrence’s meek attempt to give Germany the lead. Then, he produced a fast save to deny Adriana Leon, returning the initiative to Germany.

After delivering the game-winning spot-kick herself, the five-foot-11-inch Berger ignited raucous cheers across the stadium.

World champions Spain gave underdog Colombia a serious scare, winning a penalty shootout to advance to the last four after striking an equalizer in injury time to overcome a two-goal deficit.

Colombia took the lead early in both halves, with to goals from Mayra Ramirez in the 12th minute and Leicy Santos seven minutes into the second half to double their advantage.

However, in the 79th, Jenni Hermoso scored a goal to bring the top-ranked Spanish team back into the game, and in the seventh minute of injury time, Irene Paredes scored to tie the score at 2-2.

After two scoreless overtime sessions, the game proceeded to penalties, and Colombia was the first to blink first. Catalina Usme’s feeble attempt to give Spain an early lead they never gave up was stopped by goalie Cata Coll.

Liana Salazar of Colombia failed to convert her penalty shot as well, and Aitana Bonmati skillfully scored Spain’s fourth consecutive goal to advance them to their first Olympic semifinal.

Those hosting In the late kickoff of the day, Gabi Portilho broke past two defenders and finished past goalie Constance Picaud in the 82nd minute, with the South Americans’ first effort on goal, as Brazil defeated France 1-0.

In the first game of the day, the four-time gold medalists United States defeated Japan 1-0 in Paris thanks to a goal by Trinity Rodman in extra time to secure their place in the semi-finals.

The fierce competition was seen by a sizable audience at the Parc des Princes, which included musician Snoop Dogg and American former Ballon d’Or winner Megan Rapinoe.

In order to break the tie, the United States had to wait until the very last moments of the first overtime period. Rodman’s spectacular shot, which flew into the upper corner, sealed the victory and set up a semifinal matchup with Germany.