Canada celebrates after scoring the decisive goal against France in the Rio 2016 quarterfinals. (Photo: Canada Soccer)
Canada is onto the semi-finals at Rio 2016 after downing France 1-0 on Friday afternoon in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
The goal for Canada came in the 56th minute, largely against the run of play. Janine Beckie made a move to get the ball around French defender Amel Majri, and then sent it across goal to Sophie Schmidt at the back post. Schmidt volleyed the ball home past keeper Sarah Bouhaddi. Canada were able to hang on for the remaining 30 minutes to get the win, despite numerous close calls from the French.
Sophie Schmidt puts Canada up, 1-0. Beckie with the work out on the right. pic.twitter.com/zb0Rqq633p
— Our Game Magazine (@OurGameMagazine) August 12, 2016
France had a legitimate shout for a penalty kick in the 10th minute when Le Sommer was taken down by Kadeisha Buchanan in the box, but the referee let play continue without calling a foul. Canadian fullback Josee Belanger will miss the semi-final due to yellow card accumulation, while Allysha Chapman’s status is unknown after she exited the match just before halftime with a shoulder injury.
France exits the tournament in disappointment once again, as quite possibly the most underachieving team women’s soccer has ever seen.
This France team is the most underachieving in women’s soccer.
2011 WC: 4th
2012 Olympics: 4th
2013 Euro: QF
2015 WC: QF
2012 Olympics: QF— Jeff Kassouf (@JeffKassouf) August 12, 2016
Canada will play Germany — who beat China 1-0 earlier Friday afternoon — in the semis on Tuesday at 3pm ET. Earlier this week in Group F play, Canada beat Germany 2-1, courtesy of a brace from Melissa Tancredi.
