News.It was a lesson in composure

It was a lesson in composure, and others in white were soon looking to follow where their centre-forward had led, with Petermann only denied a certain second by an amazing last-gasp saving tackle by Rebecca Quinn. Then, early in the second half, Sheridan assumed the role of heroine, standing up tall and blocking from Bremer at point-blank range after a four-versus-two break had ended with Petermann again unselfishly feeding her strike partner.

It wasn't all one-way traffic though and with 67 minutes played it was Meike Kamper's turn to come to the rescue, racing from her goal to save bravely at the feet of Fletcher. But with eight minutes remaining the Germans effectively moved out of sight when a textbook set piece doubled their advantage. Knaak claimed the plaudits, charging in powerfully to head home from four yards, but much of the credit belonged to Sara Dabritz, who had delivered the most inviting of inswinging corners from the right flank.

Canada refused to give up, and should have pulled a goal back on two occasions, each of which ended with substitutes - first Amadine Pierre-Louis then Lindsay Agnew - missing the target when it seemed easier to score. Nonetheless, Andrew Olivieri's side can depart with their heads held high, knowing that they have contributed greatly to this tournament and been beaten by a side sure to be in contention for the trophy.

Thursday, August 21, 2014