World Cup: Germany defeats France, will face winner of China v USA

Jun 26, 2015; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Germany stands for the National Anthem prior to the match against France in the quarterfinals of the FIFA 2015 Women's World Cup at Olympic Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 26, 2015; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Germany stands for the National Anthem prior to the match against France in the quarterfinals of the FIFA 2015 Women's World Cup at Olympic Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Germany defeated France in the quarterfinals of the 2015 Women’s World Cup on Friday, will face the winner of the China vs. USA game.

Germany was the first team to punch their ticket to the semifinals of the 2015 Women’s World Cup with a thrilling win over France. It looked like the German juggernaut, which won a game 10-0 during the group stage, was going to march to the Final with ease.

France, a quality team and contender to win the tournament, drew them in the quarterfinals. France gave Germany a tough test, and took a lead at one point in the game.

French midfielder Louisa Necib scored a beautiful goal from outside the penalty box, though some replays made it appear as if it deflected off a German defender’s leg.

The most crushing blow for the French team is the fact that the game-tying goal that forced extra time came about because of a mistake on their own end. France’s Leonie Maier appeared to block a shot in the box with her arm, and was called for the penalty.

Celia Sasic stepped up to the penalty spot and scored the goal, getting the keeper to commit to the opposite side.

The game went to penalties, and all four players for both teams scored their goals. On France’s final kick, trailing 5-4 in penalties Claire Lavogez stepped up to the spot and missed. It was a low shot to the right, and German goalkeeper Nadine Angerer made the save.

Germany now sits in the semifinals waiting to learn who their opponent will be. They’ll face the winner of the United States women’s national team’s game against China.

More from World Cup