In the final group game of Group F, Germany and Canada faced each other in the deciding tussle to establish who would be placed first, second and third.

In 12 previous games (since 1994 to be more precise) Canada had never managed to beat the Germans. In fact, Germany have won all previous 12 games.

That run ended on Tuesday thanks to Melissa Tancredi's brace, which cancelled out Melanie Behringer's penalty.

Germany get the start they want

The game started with Germany looking to get that important opening goal. Within five minutes Mandy Islacker, who started her first Olympic Game, had a chance after a ball found her behind the Canada defence, but she fired wide.

Islacker was also involved in the next German attack. In the 12th minute she was taken down in the penalty area by Allysha Chapman, and Germany were awarded a penalty. Melanie Behringer calmly slotted it past Stephanie Labbé in the Canadian goal; 1-0 to Germany.

What followed was a period where both teams had their share of possession, with Germany perhaps dominating slightly, and going for that second goal that would give them some security. However, Canada proved that they were dangerous on the counter. Deanne Rose was, on at least one occasion, sent in behind the German defence, but they came back to recover.

Behringer scores on a penalty. Source: Getty Images
Behringer scores on a penalty. Source: Getty Images

Tancredi turns it around

In the 26th minute, Germany tried to play the ball out of their own area, but ended up over-playing and leaving the ball with Melissa Tancredi. The Canadian captain for the day took her shot well and got it between not one, but two German defenders and found the far bottom corner from the edge of the area.

This was the Canadian veteran's 6th Olympic goal. For the next 20 minutes it was very much back and forth, perhaps with Germany sitting on possession, but neither side really troubled the opposition's 'keeper with it ending level at the break.

The second half saw Germany with the first chance. But the first ten minutes of the half was, much like the first half, without glaring opportunities. Germany had most of the possession but they struggled to break down a well organised and structured Canadian team.

Tancredi continued to be a menace to the Germans and in the 60th minute, a Rebecca Quinn free-kick found the strong forward and she easily headed in. Canada took the lead, and looked like they might be able to take that first win in 12 years. At this point in time, Germany were facing the possibility of finishing third in the group, if Australia were able to put two more past Zimbabwe in the other group game.

Melissa Tancredi celebrates scoring one of her two goals in the game against Germany. Source: Getty Images
Melissa Tancredi celebrates scoring one of her two goals in the game against Germany. Source: Getty Images

Germany piled on the pressure to find that all important goal that would definitely ensure them second place, but Canada withstood and Germany were missing that important final touch. The final minutes were very hectic, with several huge chances for Germany. First a free-kick in the 90th minute just missed the head of Babett Peter, and on the following corner Josee Belanger had to save a header on the goal-line.

It all ended 2-1 for Canada. Luckily for Germany, the result in the other match benefitted them, and they finished 2nd. Canada finished first after winning all of their matches.

The two teams will now have to see the results of the remainder of the night's games, to find out who will be their next opponent. 

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