The second matchday for women’s soccer at the 2024 Paris Olympics has delivered the goods in the run-up to a spectacular pair of late matches.
First, Japan scored a pair of stoppage-time goals to stun Brazil, while Colombia picked up where it left off in its Olympic opener and took hold of its knockout round hopes by beating New Zealand.
Then, Nigeria battened down the hatches to shut down World Cup champions Spain while Zambia and Australia went defense-optional for a double-digit goal fest.
Still to come…
3 p.m. ET
USWNT vs Germany
France vs Canada
Brazil vs Japan
Momoko Tanikawa spun stoppage-time strike from well outside the 18 delivered Japan a thrilling comeback win over Brazil at the Parc des Princes at the 2024 Paris Olympics women’s soccer group play on Sunday.
Japan got a little help from VAR to tie the game before Tanikawa’s hopeful effort won it well into eight minutes of stoppage in Paris. Saki Yumagai‘s stoppage-time penalty offset Jheniffer‘s first-half goal and Lorena Leite‘s heroics in goal as the teams split the spoils
The game took a swing just before halftime, as Miyabi Moriya dragged her dribble atop the arc before taking a shot that met the arm of Rafaelle and sent Japan to the spot.
But Mina Tanaka‘s low penalty was read well and captured by Brazil keeper Lorena to keep the match scoreless heading into the break.
Brazil took the lead on a 2v2 break, as Ludmila da Silva laid off for Jheniffer. The Corinthians star looked for a second as she’d out-waited the chance, but the hesitation froze Japanese keeper Ayaka Yamashita and allowed Jheniffer to put the ball inside the near post.
Leite wasn’t done with her heroics, making a tremendous high save in the 68th minute to deny Japan a fantastic equalizer.
Japan poured pressure toward the Brazil goal, and eventually was rewarded with a second penalty attempt. VAR intervened on a sliding handball that sent Saki to the spot. Leite would not be able to replicate her heroics and Japan leveled the line before taking all three points.
Japan join Brazil on three points. — Nicholas Mendola
New Zealand vs Colombia
Days after losing to France in a close contest, Colombia flexed its muscles against New Zealand to get a much-needed 2-0 win.
This match had Colombian dominance written all over it as the South Americans bossed possession and repeatedly tested the Kiwi goal.
Marcela Restrepo kicked things off for Colombia with a wonder goal by smashing a volley just outside of the box into the bottom left corner, leaving no chance for New Zealand goalkeeper Anna Leat. Colombia continued creating chances and hit the woodwork on three separate occasions before Leicy Santos sealed the win with a 71st-minute goal.
Colombia was without starting striker Mayra Ramirez yet had no problem finding scoring opportunities, a good sign for its fans as the team still has another game without their key player.
The result now puts Colombia in a “win-and-in” scenario for the team’s next game against Canada – who are dealing with an off-the-field situation itself – at 3 p.m. ET on Wednesday, July 31. New Zealand must get a win against France to keep its hopes alive of getting a third-place qualification spot for the next round. That match is at 1 p.m. ET on Wednesday, July 31. — Leo Santos
SEE MORE: Restrepo smashes volley from distance to give Colombia lead
Spain vs Nigeria
Spain kept coming after Nigeria at the Stade de la Beaujoire on Sunday, firing off shot after shot after shot at the 2024 Paris Olympics women’s soccer tournament group stage.
Finally, it broke through.
Alexia Putellas’ 85th-minute free kick fooled Nigeria keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie at the end of a spectacular day’s work, giving the World Cup champions six points and a place in the knockout rounds.
Nnadozie stood tall for 85 minutes, making several big stops and getting helped out by defenders along the way — Osinachi Ohale‘s goal line left-footed clearance of Putellas a huge help in keeping a zero on the board.
Spain (6 points) next meet Brazil (3 points) on Wednesday in a big-name clash that will go along way to determine Group C, while Nigeria (0 points) hope to beat Japan (3) and get help to reach the knockout rounds.– Nicholas Mendola
Australia vs Zambia
Australia and Zambia played the match of the Olympics so far as the Matildas came back from three goals down to win 6-5 at the Allianz Riviera.
Zambia’s Barbra Banda scored thrice for her third-ever Olympic hat trick while Stephanie Catley recorded a brace for Australia to produce a much-needed three points for their medal hopes.
Chances for both teams seemed endless throughout the match, but it will be Zambia who will furious after surrendering a 5-2 lead with a little more than 30 minutes left to play. An own goal from Zambia goalie Ngamo Musole joined a set piece and penalty goals for Catley, and 90th-minute Michelle Hayman winner propelled Australia in Matchday 2.
It was end-to-end action, and Australia enters the last match of the group stage most likely needing a win to secure a spot in the quarterfinals. Australia will play against the U.S. women’s national team at 1 p.m. ET on Wednesday, July 31.
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