CHRISTIAN RADNEDGE in RIO DE JANEIRO: Canada recorded their first-ever victory over Germany to top Group F in the women’s competition of the Rio 2016 Olympics. They were the only team to end the women’s group stage with a 100pc record.
Melanie Behringer scored from the spot to put the Europeans in the lead in Brasilia on Wednesday but two goals from Melissa Tancredi secured the historic win for Canada.
John Herdman’s side will now go on to face France in the quarter-finals on Friday, in a repeat of the London 2012 bronze medal match in which Canada triumphed.
France booked their own place by securing second spot in Group G after a 3-0 win over New Zealand. Eugenie le Sommer opened the scoring in Salvador before two goals from Louisa Cadamuro.
Olympic and world champions United States will face their former coach Pia Sundhage when they take on Sweden in the last eight. The US claimed top spot in Group G despite being held by Colombia 2-2 on Wednesday, Catalina Usme scoring two free-kicks for the spirited South Americans.
Carli Lloyd and Mallory Pugh were on target for the US.
Sweden qualified after a tense 0-0 draw with Group E opponents China who also progress. The Europeans finished behind China in third but qualify as one of the best third place finishers.
China will face Germany in Salvador on Friday.
Also goalless was Group E’s other clash at a sold-out Amazonia Arena in Manaus as hosts Brazil were held by South Africa.
Marta has been the star of the show so far in Olympic football and played only a part of the match ahead of lighting up Belo Horizonte on Friday – home fans hope – in Brazil’s quarter-final against Australia.
The Matildas crushed Olympic debutants Zimbabwe 6-1 to record their first win of the tournament and seal their place in the last eight.
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