Germany beats Canada, reaches women's soccer gold medal game at Olympics

Germany will face Sweden in the gold medal game on Friday after beating Canada 2-0.

Germany's women's national team has reached the gold medal game at the Olympics for the first time, beating Canada 2-0 in their semifinal clash. 

Melanie Behringer's 21st-minute penalty kick and Sara Dabritz's goal just before the hour mark have Germany up 2-0 in Belo Horizonte. The two nations have combined for the last four bronze medals (Canada - 2012 | Germany - 2000, 2004, 2008), but neither has ever played for gold. That will change with the world's No. 2-ranked team reaching the final against Sweden, which upended Brazil on penalty kicks after a 0-0 draw to reach its first Olympic final as well. 

Canada had beaten Germany in the group stage, but that result was reversed Tuesday, and it started from the penalty spot. Kadeisha Buchanan's foul gifted the Germans their first goal, which Behringer buried from 12 yards out. Dabritz added the insurance goal from the top of the box entering the final 30 minutes, and Germany withstood some late Canadian pressure to hold on for the victory. 

Germany will play Sweden at the Maracanã for gold, while Brazil and Canada will battle for a consolation bronze medal at Arena Corinthians in Sao Paulo.