July 29 – Round two of the Women’s Olympic group stages caused a major reshuffle, as the tournament was turned on its head with a number of surprise results.
France, ranked second in the world, suffered their first loss of the games at the hands of an embarrassed Canada, but the result was left with no winners as Canada were stripped of six points in the wake of the drone scandal last week.
Despite the loss 2-1 loss, France maintain a qualifying position thanks to Canada’s points deduction. They currently sit second behind Colombia, who cruised to a 2-0 victory over New Zealand who are all but out of the competition.
If Canada beat Colombia they will qualify for the quarter finals and keep their defence of their Olympic title going.
Group B proved to be great entertainment value, witnessing a heavyweight upset and an 11-goal thriller.
Emma Hayes’ USA secured their place at the top of the group with a stunning 4-1 victory over Germany. The Germans, who are placed fourth in the FIFA world rankings, were unable to keep pace with the Americans, who found themselves 3-1 up at the half time interval.
Goals from Mallory Swanson and Lynn Williams added to a spectacular brace from Sophia Smith, with German fullback Giulia Gwinn’s strike doing little to sway the final result.
In the other Group B match, Australia edged out Zambia in a chaotic 6-5 scoreline. Despite the best efforts of the Zambian side, which featured a hattrick from striker Barbra Banda and a brace from Racheal Kundananji, the most expensive female footballer in history, the Australians refused to give in.
Tony Gustavsson’s Matildas overcame a four-goal deficit in the second half to earn all three points as the Zambians were taught a valuable lesson – it isn’t over until it’s over.
Group C saw Spain continue their flawless start with a slender 1-0 win over Nigeria. Despite deserving their place at the top of the group, the World Champions have looked a far cry from their usual goalscoring selves, notching just three goals so far and leaving it until the 85th minute to squeeze past Nigeria.
Star midfielder Alexia Putellas made the difference for La Roja with a late goal to decide the result.
In the other fixture, Brazil were victims of a remarkable late comeback by Japan, as Jheniffer’s 56th-minute opener was undone by a quick-fire injury time double from Saki Kumagai and Momoko Tanikawa. The scoreline saved the blushes of Japan striker Mina Tanaka, who missed a decisive penalty in the first half to open the scoring.
As a result of this weekend’s fixtures, Colombia, USA and Spain top Group A, B and C respectively, but only USA and Spain have secured quarter final places with the final round of group taking place on Friday.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1734875817labto1734875817ofdlr1734875817owedi1734875817sni@g1734875817niwe.1734875817yrrah1734875817