Against all odds, after beating Colombia 1-0, Canada Women’s National football team have progressed to the quarter final of the 2024 Olympics, where they will face Germany.
Prior to their opening group game against New Zealand, Canada were accused and found guilty of using drones to spy on opponents. The drone was spotted by French police who immediately contacted the New Zealand football federation.
The team was docked 6 points after their game against New Zealand, leaving them bottom of the group at -3 points. Bev Priestman, the coach at the time, initially withdrew herself from the game, before being let go by Canada Soccer and earning herself a 12 month ban from FIFA.
Christine Sinclair, who played over 300 games for Canada before retiring from international football last year, took to Instagram to say that they ‘were never shown or discussed drone footage in team or individual meetings [she’d] been present for’.
Canada went on to win their second game 2-1 against the hosts France, going 1-0 down at halftime, but coming back late in the second half with goals from captain Jessie Fleming, and Vanessa Gilles.
The team also put in an appeal to regain their 6 point deduction, which was denied the night before the Colombia group stage game.
Their final group stage game against Colombia determined whether they would make their way into the quarter final or not. A win for the reds would mean they progress, knocking Australia out in the process, however a loss or draw would’ve sent them home.
An incredible cross from Fleming in the 61st minute connects with the head of Vanessa Gilles, securing the win for Canada. Colombia will still progress, meeting with Spain in the quarter final on August 3rd.
Canada’s win sends Australia home, despite them finishing 3rd in their group. Colombia took the Matildas spot in the quarter final due to having a goal difference of 0 whereas the Aussies was -3.
Back to back winning goals from Gilles has sent the reigning champions through to the next round, however many people, including fans on X have expressed their thoughts on how Canada should’ve been entirely disqualified from the competition.
Comments