Canada's Women's Soccer Team Secures Last-Minute Win Over France at Paris 2024
July 29, 2024·2 min read
Reigning champions Canada secured a lifeline at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with a dramatic 2-1 last-minute victory against host nation France. This match was crucial for Canada as they navigate the tournament following a significant setback.
The Canadian team's campaign to defend their 2021 gold medal had been marred by a drone spying scandal, which led to a one-year ban for head coach Bev Priestman and a six-point deduction by FIFA. As a result, Canada, now led by assistant coach Andy Spence, needed maximum points in their remaining Group A matches to keep their hopes alive.
France initially took the lead in the 42nd minute with a goal from Marie-Antoinette Katoto after a well-executed pass. Canada's response came in the 58th minute when captain Jessie Fleming equalized, bringing renewed energy and hope to the team and their supporters.
The decisive moment arrived in the 12th minute of stoppage time. Defender Vanessa Gilles capitalized on a rebound from the goalkeeper to score the winning goal, sending the Canadian team and their fans into a frenzy. The victory was vital for Canada, who remain in contention to advance, provided they secure a win in their next match against Colombia and maintain a positive goal difference.
In other matches, the United States secured a 4-1 win over Germany in Group B, with Sophia Smith scoring twice in the first half. Mallory Swanson and Lynn Williams added to the tally, ensuring a commanding victory for the four-time Olympic gold medallists.
World champions Spain advanced to the next round with a 1-0 win over Nigeria, thanks to a late free-kick from Alexia Putellas. Brazil missed the chance to progress after a 2-1 loss to Japan, who scored twice in stoppage time to clinch the win.
Australia and Colombia boosted their chances of making it to the next round with their first wins in the competition. Australia secured a thrilling 6-5 victory over Zambia, while Colombia edged New Zealand 2-0.
The Canadian team's campaign to defend their 2021 gold medal had been marred by a drone spying scandal, which led to a one-year ban for head coach Bev Priestman and a six-point deduction by FIFA. As a result, Canada, now led by assistant coach Andy Spence, needed maximum points in their remaining Group A matches to keep their hopes alive.
France initially took the lead in the 42nd minute with a goal from Marie-Antoinette Katoto after a well-executed pass. Canada's response came in the 58th minute when captain Jessie Fleming equalized, bringing renewed energy and hope to the team and their supporters.
The decisive moment arrived in the 12th minute of stoppage time. Defender Vanessa Gilles capitalized on a rebound from the goalkeeper to score the winning goal, sending the Canadian team and their fans into a frenzy. The victory was vital for Canada, who remain in contention to advance, provided they secure a win in their next match against Colombia and maintain a positive goal difference.
In other matches, the United States secured a 4-1 win over Germany in Group B, with Sophia Smith scoring twice in the first half. Mallory Swanson and Lynn Williams added to the tally, ensuring a commanding victory for the four-time Olympic gold medallists.
World champions Spain advanced to the next round with a 1-0 win over Nigeria, thanks to a late free-kick from Alexia Putellas. Brazil missed the chance to progress after a 2-1 loss to Japan, who scored twice in stoppage time to clinch the win.
Australia and Colombia boosted their chances of making it to the next round with their first wins in the competition. Australia secured a thrilling 6-5 victory over Zambia, while Colombia edged New Zealand 2-0.