The Olympics are upon us!
Women’s football (soccer) kicked off today with all 12 teams playing their Rio Olympics opener.
In Group E action, South Africa put up a solid fight against Sweden, but one unfortunate bobble in the 75th minute saw them fall 1-0 to the Swedes. Host Brazil did not disappoint with a commanding 3-0 win over China.
Group F included (what most of us deem as) the feature match: Canada vs. Australia. Canada made Olympic soccer history when Christine Sinclair intercepted a pass and centred the ball to first time Olympian, Janine Beckie, who made no mistake, calmly burying the ball in the back of the Australian net at the 21s mark. Australia immediately picked up their game, pressing the Canadians every chance they could. Their hard driving to the net caused Canadian defender Shelina Zadorsky to commit a red card-worthy foul (not much choice as the last person back but to haul down Aussie). Canada would play the game one player short from the 17 minute mark.
After many nailbiting moments that continued into the second half, Canada was awarded a penalty kick for an Aussie ‘hand ball’ in the box. The Aussie keeper, Williams, guessed right and gave her team hope to come back from the 1-0 deficit. Luckily, Sinclair added padding to the Canadian side to go up 2-0 after a long pass from Jessie Fleming. Sinclair knocked it past the pinching goalie, fended off two Aussie D, and found the back of the net from ~30’ out (estimate). That was enough to upset the Aussie Matildas!
Other Group F action: Germany defeated Zimbabwe 6-1
Group G:
USA 2 – Kiwis 0
France 4 – Colombia 0 (one own-goal) – note: game is nearly done, but I’m going to sleep
Notable note:
Japan did not qualify for the Olympics (Aussies took the Asia cup)
Canada’s next games:
Aug 6 – vs Zimbabwe 2pm EST
Aug 9 – vs Germany 3pm EST
Tomorrow:
Men’s Football: Shout outs to Bafana (good luck as they take on Brazil)
Friday:
Opening Ceremonies – 6:20pm EST? (check CBC)
Lego Photo:
Sinclair’s insurance marker.