Dramatic 2-1 Win by Canada Shocks France in Olympics Women’s Soccer

Canada, the reigning champions, received a lifeline at the Paris Games with a dramatic 2-1 victory over hosts France. 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 bid to defend their 2021 gold medal faced adversity due to a drone spying scandal that resulted in coach Bev Priestman being banned for a year and a six-point deduction from the Olympic tournament by FIFA.

With only the top two teams from each group and the two best third-placed teams advancing, Canada, now under assistant coach Andy Spence, must secure maximum points in their remaining Group A matches and maintain a favorable goal difference.

After France’s Marie-Antoinette Katoto scored in the 42nd minute, captain Jessie Fleming equalized 13 minutes into the second half. The match appeared headed for a draw until Vanessa Gilles scored in the 12th minute of stoppage time to secure the victory for Canada.

Canada will face Colombia in their final group match on Wednesday.

The U.S., four-time Olympic gold medalists, continued their strong performance with a 4-1 victory over Germany in Marseille, led by Sophia Smith’s first-half brace and goals from Mallory Swanson and Lynn Williams.

Spain, the world champions, secured a spot in the next round with a 1-0 win over Nigeria in Nantes, thanks to Alexia Putellas’ late winner.

Japan claimed a late 2-1 victory over Brazil at Parc des Princes with two stoppage-time goals from Saki Kumagai and Momoko Tanikawa.

Australia and Colombia also boosted their chances of advancing with their first wins in the competition.

Australia staged a remarkable comeback from two goals down to defeat Zambia 6-5 in Nice, with players like Steph Catley and Barbara Banda making significant contributions.

Colombia secured a 2-0 win over New Zealand in Lyon with goals from Marcela Restrepo and Leicy Santos.