The women's national teams from Sweden and Germany will face off on Friday in the final at the Rio Olympics.

The Swedes were never expected to make it this far. The team had never been better than a fourth place finisher in this tournament. They had a mediocre group stage, finishing third and facing the United States in the first quarterfinals; no one expected them to get past the best team in the world.

But they did and despite being called cowards by Hope Solo, Sweden found an identity in its parking the bus philosophy of packing the defensive area to shut down opposing attacks. It worked brilliantly against the Americans and even better against Brazil, a team that had destroyed the 5-1 in the group stage.

Now only Germany stands in their way of a first-ever Gold Medal.

Germany has finished in third on three occasions and is looking for its first gold. The team has been solid to date, earning four points in the group stage before winning tight games with China PR and Canada.

Prediction

Sweden will not be able to park the bus forever and the Germans should find a way to be efficient in dealing with them. Germany wins 4-1.

Start Time

The match between Sweden and Germany kicks off at 3 p.m. EDT on Friday August 19.


Live Stream & TV Information

The match between Sweden and Germany can be viewed on NBCSN or Telemundo or using the NBC Sports Live Extra app.