Women

Germany Women into last eight

Eight She-Wolves remain in the hunt for gold at the Olympic Games.

Germany clinched a quarter-final spot in their final group game of the women’s Olympic football tournament on Wednesday, cruising to a 4-1 victory over Zambia. Horst Hrubesch’s side will face Canada in the last eight in Marseille on Saturday 3 August, kicking off at 19:00 CEST.

SIX POINTS FROM THREE GAMES

Hrubesch’s charges began their campaign with a 3-0 win against Australia. A 24th-minute header from VfL defender Marina Hegering put Germany ahead, with fellow She-Wolf Jule Brand completing the scoring in the 68th minute. VfL duo Alexandra Popp and Janine Minge have started all three group games in holding midfield, although they were unable to prevent a 4-1 defeat to the USA on Matchday 2.

Germany bounced back in style, however, defeating Zambia by the same scoreline in their final group match. She-Wolves defender Sarai Linder (infection; also missed the USA game) and Hegering (muscle issue) were both unavailable, while Kathrin Hendrich was forced off in the 22nd minute after two collisions early on in the match. Hrubesch, however, expects both Hendrich and Hegering to be available for Saturday’s last-eight tie.

With Germany 1-0 up at the break, Vivien Endemann gave Hrubesch’s team renewed impetus after coming on for Brand, helping her side cruise to a 4-1 victory and qualify for the quarter-finals as Group B runners-up.