Where to start for today’s blogpost is the question. We’ve seen some of the most exciting thrilling games this round, with results nobody could have predicted, even not in their wildest dreams. Also noteworthy is that Canada got a six point reduction within this tournament, as a result of the drone gate. However, after round 2 they managed to get back to 0 points, after also winning the second game. What a fight from the Canadians.
Group A – results
- France – Canada (1-2)
- New Zealand – Colombia (0-2)
Group B – results
- Australia – Zambia (6-5)
- USA – Germany (4-1)
Group C – results
- Spain – Nigeria (1-0)
- Brazil – Japan (1-2)
Game Summaries
France – Canada
Canada began the day with a challenging -3 points after a six-point deduction due to the Drone Gate incident. Despite this setback, the Canadian players were determined to keep their Olympic dreams alive in their crucial match against France.
The first half saw a defensively strong Canadian side facing a dominant French team, who managed three shots on target. In the 42nd minute, French forward Marie-Antoinette Katoto broke the deadlock with a precise right-footed shot from the center of the box, beating Canadian goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan.
In the second half, Canadian captain Jessie Fleming brought hope to her team by scoring the equalizer. The game then experienced a lengthy stoppage time after the French goalkeeper was accidentally struck in the head by her own defender, necessitating a stretcher off the pitch. Shortly after, France’s captain Wendy Renard also had to leave the field due to an injury.
The extended injury time lasted 13 minutes, and in the 12th minute of stoppage time, Canadian central defender Vanessa Gilles calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net, sparking jubilation among the Canadian players. Overcome with emotion, many Canadians celebrated their hard-fought victory as the final whistle blew.
With this 2-1 victory, Canada is back to 0 points and retains a chance to qualify for the next round, keeping their Olympic aspirations alive.
New Zealand – Colombia
New Zealand expressed strong disappointment over Canada’s six-point reduction, arguing it offered no advantage in the competition. Despite this frustration, their match against Colombia was dominated by one-way traffic in favor of the South Americans.
From the onset, Colombia created numerous chances but initially failed to capitalize. However, in the 27th minute, a stunning volley from Restrepo left the New Zealand goalkeeper helpless, putting Colombia ahead. The pressure from Colombia continued, yet they couldn’t secure a second goal before halftime.
The second half saw Santos delivering a brilliant left-footed strike into the top corner, doubling Colombia’s lead and securing their advantage. As the match concluded, Colombia’s 2-0 victory kept their hopes of progressing alive with one game remaining.
For New Zealand, qualifying has become a formidable challenge, yet they still retain a slim possibility of advancing to the next round.
Australia – Zambia
After a disappointing performance against Germany, the Matildas aimed to rebound and secure points in their match against Zambia. However, their defensive woes were evident from the start. Within a minute, Barbra Banda scored to put Zambia ahead 1-0. In the 7th minute, Alana Kennedy equalized with a header from a precise Steph Catley cross.
Despite this, Zambia quickly regained the lead. Kundanaji scored in the 21st minute, followed by another goal from Banda in the 33rd, making it 3-1. Two minutes later, Hayley Raso brought Australia back into the game with a goal from a Kyra Cooney-Cross corner. In injury time, Banda completed her hat-trick, leaving Zambia up 4-2 at halftime.
The second half continued with high intensity. Kundanaji netted her second goal in the 56th minute, extending Zambia’s lead to 5-2. Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson made crucial substitutions, bringing on Torpey, Wheeler, and Heyman for Gorry, van Egmond, and Raso. This shift paid off immediately as Heyman’s backheel attempt led to an own goal by Musole, making it 5-3.
A Foord goal was disallowed, but moments later, Catley scored from a free-kick, taking advantage of questionable goalkeeping to bring the score to 5-4. In the 78th minute, Australia was awarded a penalty after a foul on Foord. Catley calmly converted, equalizing the game at 5-5.
The match remained open, with both teams creating chances to win. Ultimately, it was the Matildas’ day. In the 90th minute, Heyman scored from another Catley assist, sealing a 6-5 victory in a thrilling encounter.
Despite the win, the Matildas face a challenging path ahead, with their goal difference posing a threat to their progression. With the USA next on their schedule, Australia’s defensive issues remain a significant concern.
USA – Germany
The USA shone brightly in their opening match, with the formidable front three of Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, and Mallory Swanson proving especially dangerous. Supported by the experienced midfield duo of Rose Lavelle and Lindsey Horan, the American attack appeared unstoppable.
The breakthrough came early, with Smith finding the net in the 11th minute, exploiting a gap in the German defense. Germany regrouped and responded in the 22nd minute with a spectacular strike from Giulia Gwinn. However, the USA maintained their composure and continued to create scoring opportunities. Swanson extended the lead in the 26th minute, followed by another goal from Smith in the 44th minute, giving the USA a 3-1 advantage at halftime.
In the second half, Germany applied pressure but found themselves outmatched by the USA’s fluid play and counterattacks. In the 89th minute, substitute Lynn Williams sealed the victory with a fourth goal, resulting in a convincing 4-1 win.
Emma Hayes’ team has made an impressive start, demonstrating remarkable cohesion and effectiveness, despite significant changes since the last tournament. The USA’s performance in these first two games solidifies their status as the team to beat in the competition.
Spain – Nigeria
Both teams struggled to find the back of the net in a tightly contested match. Spain attempted to dominate with their signature possession-based play, but found it challenging to break down the Nigerian defense. A Paralluelo goal was disallowed in the second half, and an Alexia Putellas shot was dramatically cleared off the line.
The turning point came in the 85th minute when Nigeria conceded an unnecessary free-kick. Alexia Putellas, known as “La Reina,” seized the moment with a brilliantly looped free-kick from a difficult angle, securing Spain’s place in the quarterfinals of the Olympic Tournament.
Putellas’ moment of magic ensured Spain’s advancement and highlighted her crucial role in the team’s success.
Brazil – Japan
The former Olympic silver medalists and former world champions, Japan, entered their match against Brazil with high expectations. However, the game seemed to be slipping away from them as they missed several key opportunities, including a penalty save by Brazil’s Lorena from Mina Tanaka.
Early in the second half, Brazil took the lead with a goal from Jhennifer. Despite Japan’s efforts to push forward and strategic substitutions by their manager, the game appeared to be lost. A second loss would have severely jeopardized Japan’s chances of advancing, even as one of the best third-placed teams.
In the 89th minute, Japan was awarded a penalty for a Brazilian handball. Captain Saki Kumagai stepped up and calmly converted, bringing the score to 1-1. Energized by the late equalizer, the Japanese team quickly regrouped at the halfway line, determined to push for a win.
Their persistence paid off in dramatic fashion. In the dying moments of the game, Rafaelle, who had played superbly throughout, made a crucial mistake by giving away the ball. Momoko Tanikawa seized the opportunity, launching a long-range strike that sealed one of the most unlikely comebacks ever.
Japan’s remarkable turnaround secured a vital point and kept their Olympic dreams alive.
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