Christine Sinclair scored the game-winner as Canada won a second straight Olympic bronze medal in women’s soccer.
Canada claimed a second straight Olympic bronze medal on Friday, defeating 2016 Rio Games host Brazil, 2-1.
Canada captain and all-time leading scorer Christine Sinclair scored the game-winning goal in the 52nd minute, collecting a low cross from Deanne Rose and finishing from close range.
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It was Rose who put Canada ahead in the 25th minute, finishing off a clinical Canada counter attack. Marta’s free kick for Brazil failed to clear Canada’s defensive line, and Rafaelle was then dispossessed after an indecisive few seconds on the ball. Canada stormed the other direction through Ashley Lawrence on the left flank. With Brazil caught out on the counter, Lawrence’s low cross hit Rose in stride. Rose, 17, became the youngest Olympics goal-scorer ever. The goal was the first conceded by Brazil in 356 minutes of Olympic play.
25' #CAN 1, #BRA 0 pic.twitter.com/U1RokaUSY9
— The Equalizer (@EqualizerSoccer) August 19, 2016
Brazil fought back late through a Beatriz goal in the 79th minute, ending a 413-minute scoring drought for Brazil.
Canada’s first-ever Olympic medal in women’s soccer came in London four years ago, when the team earned bronze. Canada exited the 2015 World Cup in the quarterfinals, but rebounded to earn another bronze medal at the Rio 2016 Games after a strong group stage and quarterfinal led to defeat against Germany in the semifinal.
Brazil settles for fourth after hopes for a first gold medal on home soil were squashed by Sweden in penalty kicks in the semifinal. Brazil’s best finish at an Olympics came in 2004 and 2008, earning the silver medal both times.
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