The Paris Olympics got underway with Canada and Spain coming from behind to win but Colombia’s fightback against France fell just short after a red card.
France made a strong start against Colombia, three up before the break from a Marie-Antoinette Katoto brace and Kenza Dali single. Colombia rallied well with a Catalina Usme penalty and Manuela Pavi Sepulveda effort cutting the deficit to one by the last quarter of the game, only to lose Mayra Ramirez to a late red card.
Also in Group A, Canada came from behind to defeat New Zealand 2-1, Mackenzie Barry opened the scoring via a Katie Kitching corner, Cloé Lacasse levelling in first-half stoppage time. With 11 minutes left, Jessie Fleming found Évelyne Viens who hit the bottom corner to give Canada all three points.
In Group B, Marina Hegering’s far-post header from a Giulia Gwinn corner past Australia goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold gave Germany the advantage after 24 minutes. Another Gwinn flag-kick brought about the second goal, Lea Schuller finding space to power home a header. Soon after it was 3-0, Sarai Linder setting up Jule Brand for a tap-in.
The second game in Group B saw USA three goals and one player up after 35 minutes against Zambia, although there was no further addition to the score. Trinity Rodman had already hit the crossbar before giving US the lead, Mallory Swanson struck twice in a minute from through balls by Sophia Smith and Lindsey Horan. Following a VAR check on Pauline Zulu’s challenge on Smith, the caution was upgraded to a dismissal.
Spain fell behind to Japan before fighting back to win the Group C tie 2-1. Aoba Fujino’s free-kick goal was cancelled out midway through the first half by Aitana Bonmatí, from a Athenea del Castillo’s through ball. Japan’s Risa Shimizu was stretchered off before Mariona Caldentey grabbed the winner with 14 minutes remaining, as Bonmati played her part again.
Brazil got the only goal of the Group C tie with Nigeria eight minutes before the break, Marta playing in Gabi Nunes who rifled a shot into the roof of the net.
Fixtures for Sunday 28 July (UK times, live on Eurosport and/or Discovery+)
4pm – Brazil v Japan, New Zealand v Colombia
6pm – Australia v Zambia, Spain v Nigeria
8pm – France v Canada, USA v Germany
