Canada Reach Olympic Women’s Football Quarter-Finals Despite Six-Point Deduction.
Defending champions Canada have reached the quarter-finals of the women’s football tournament at the Paris Olympic Games, despite a six-point deduction due to a drone spying scandal. The Canadians secured their spot after a 1-0 victory over Colombia in Nice on Wednesday. Colombia also advanced to the knockouts alongside France, Germany, Japan, and Brazil.
Canada’s qualification was confirmed hours after their appeal against the FIFA sanction was dismissed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The deduction followed the suspension of coach Bev Priestman and other staff members. Assistant coach Andy Spence led the team in the crucial match against Colombia, where Vanessa Gilles scored the decisive goal in the 61st minute.
The victory allowed Canada to finish second in Group A with three points. In spite of their defeat, Colombia reached their first-ever Olympic quarter-finals as one of the best third-placed teams.
In other matches, France secured a 2-1 win over New Zealand in Lyon, with Marie-Antoinette Katoto scoring twice to lead her team to the top of Group A. Germany thrashed Zambia 4-1 in St. Etienne, thanks to a brace from Lea Schueller and goals from Klara Buehl and Elisa Senss, securing second place in Group B.
Australia were eliminated after a 2-1 defeat to the United States left them third in Group B. The U.S. finished the group stage with a perfect nine points, thanks to goals from Trinity Rodman and Korbin Albert.
In Group C, Spain defeated Brazil 2-0, with goals from Athenea del Castillo and Alexia Putellas. Brazil’s Marta, retiring from international football this year, received a red card in the final seconds of the first half. Japan beat Nigeria’s Super Falcons 3-1 in Nantes, securing second place in Group C with six points.
The quarter-final match-ups will see Canada facing Germany, the U.S. taking on Japan, Spain playing Colombia, and France clashing with Brazil on Saturday.
