Canada secured their place in the quarter-finals of the women’s Olympic football tournament with a narrow 1-0 win over Colombia in their final group match on Wednesday. Despite a six-point deduction due to a spying scandal, the reigning Olympic champions managed to advance, showcasing their resilience and determination.
Defender Vanessa Gilles, who had previously scored a dramatic late winner against France, proved to be the hero once again. Gilles headed in the only goal of the match from a Jessie Fleming free-kick just after the hour mark in Nice, ensuring Canada’s progression.
This victory meant that Canada finished their Group A campaign with three wins out of three. However, the points deduction left them with just three points in the standings, enough to qualify for the quarter-finals in second place behind group winners France and ahead of Colombia on goal difference.
Canada will now face the 2016 gold medalists, Germany, in a last-eight tie in Marseille on Saturday. The final whistle brought scenes of jubilation among the Canadian players, who had received disheartening news hours before the game. The Court of Arbitration for Sport had dismissed their appeal against the points deduction, which was imposed by FIFA after a staff member used a drone to spy on a New Zealand training session ahead of their opening match, a 2-1 win for Canada.
As a consequence of the scandal, Canada was docked six points and fined 200,000 Swiss francs ($226,000). Coach Bev Priestman received a one-year ban from FIFA, placing interim coaching duties on assistant coach Andy Spence.
Meanwhile, France topped Group A after rebounding from their 2-1 loss to Canada by defeating New Zealand by the same scoreline in Lyon. Prolific striker Marie-Antoinette Katoto netted both goals for France, her fourth and fifth of the competition, with Kate Taylor scoring for New Zealand.
In Group B action, the United States secured a 2-1 victory over Australia in Marseille, finishing top of the group with a perfect record. Goals from Trinity Rodman and Korbin Albert propelled the USA, while Alanna Kennedy’s strike for Australia was not enough to prevent their elimination. The United States, coached by former Chelsea boss Emma Hayes, will face Japan, runners-up in Group C, in Paris on Saturday. This match is a repeat of the 2012 London Olympic final, which the USA won.
Germany claimed second place in Group B with a convincing 4-1 win over Zambia in Saint-Etienne. Lea Schueller scored twice, with Klara Buehl and Elisa Senss also finding the net, while Barbra Banda scored a consolation goal for Zambia. Germany will now prepare to face Canada in the quarter-finals.
Brazil advanced to the quarter-finals as one of the best third-placed sides despite a 2-0 defeat to World Cup holders Spain in Bordeaux. The match was notable for the sending off of Brazilian legend Marta, who received a straight red card for a dangerous high tackle on Spain captain Olga Carmona in first-half stoppage time. The 38-year-old exited the pitch in tears, possibly marking her final act in an Olympic Games. Marta, a multiple FIFA women’s world player of the year award winner, has participated in six Olympics and won silver medals in 2004 and 2008. Her hopes of continuing in the tournament depend on Brazil’s performance in their quarter-final tie against France.
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Spain’s goals came from Athenea del Castillo, who tapped in the opener, and Alexia Putellas, who curled in a second in the 17th minute of injury time. Spain will face Colombia in Lyon on Saturday.
In Group C, Japan secured second place behind Spain after a 3-1 victory over Nigeria in Nantes. Goals from Maika Hamano, Mina Tanaka, and Hikaru Kitagawa, the latter from a superb free-kick, ensured Japan’s progression. Jennifer Echegini scored Nigeria’s lone goal.
These results set the stage for an exciting knockout phase, with top teams vying for the coveted Olympic gold medal. Fans worldwide eagerly anticipate the high-stakes matches that lie ahead.
