RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - Australia, Canada and France all won on Tuesday and qualified for the quarter-finals of the women’s soccer tournament, where they will be joined by the United States and Germany as the teams in pursuit of gold move on to the knock-out stage.
U.S. goalkeeper Hope Solo had a nightmare and was at fault for both goals - the second an injury time equaliser - as Colombia came from behind to secure a 2-2 draw in Manaus.
She flapped at a cross from Catalina Usme after letting an earlier free kick from the same player squirm through her legs.
France beat New Zealand 3-0 to finish second behind them in Group G. Canada topped Group F after defeating Germany 2-1 earlier in the day.
The Canadians have been the surprise package of the event so far, with the 12th-ranked side beating the second-ranked Germans and the fifth-ranked Aussies.
They were nevertheless lucky to overcome the Germans, who had 22 shots to their six and 67 percent of possession.
Captain Melissa Tancredi scored a goal in each half to give them the win after they had gone behind to an early penalty from Melanie Behringer.
Australia meanwhile brushed aside Zimbabwe, who finished their first ever appearance in a major tournament with no points and a minus 12 goal difference.
Australia scored three goals in each half and Emmaculate Msipa got a consolation goal for the Africans in injury time.
Although they finished in third place in Group E they will progress as one of the two best third-placed sides.
The other three places will be decided in the evening matches, with Brazil playing South Africa and China facing Sweden.
The top two teams in each of the three groups qualify automatically for the quarter-finals along with the two best third-placed sides.
Canada-France is the first confirmed quarter-final. All others depend on later results.
(Reporting by Andrew Downie; Editing by Meredith Mazzilli and Bill Rigby)
0 votes
