The reigning champions, Canada, managed to secure a crucial victory at the Paris Games with a last-minute 2-1 win over hosts France. Meanwhile, Spain and the United States also secured wins to advance to the quarter-finals in the second matchday of Olympic women’s football on Sunday.
Canada’s journey to defend their 2021 gold medal was met with challenges after a drone spying scandal resulted in a one-year ban for coach Bev Priestman and a six-point deduction from the Olympic tournament by FIFA.
The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, will advance to the next round. Canada, now under the guidance of assistant coach Andy Spence, will need maximum points in their remaining Group A matches and a favorable goal difference to progress.
Despite falling behind to France’s Marie-Antoinette Katoto in the 42nd minute, captain Jessie Fleming equalized 13 minutes into the second half. The match seemed headed for a draw until Vanessa Gilles scored in the 12th minute of stoppage time to secure the win for Canada.
Canada will face Colombia in their final group match on Wednesday.
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The four-time Olympic gold medalists, the U.S., continued their strong performance in Group B with a convincing 4-1 victory over Germany in Marseille. Sophia Smith scored a first-half brace, while Mallory Swanson and Lynn Williams also found the back of the net.
Spain, the world champions, secured their spot in the next round with a 1-0 win over Nigeria in Nantes, thanks to Alexia Putellas’ late winner.
Meanwhile, Brazil suffered a late 2-1 defeat to Japan in Group C, while Australia and Colombia boosted their chances of advancing with wins in their respective matches.
Australia staged a remarkable comeback from two goals down to defeat Zambia 6-5 in a goal feast in Nice, with Steph Catley and Barbara Banda both scoring doubles.
Colombia secured a 2-0 victory over New Zealand in Lyon to enhance their prospects of progressing to the next round.
