Australia staged an incredible comeback, overcoming a three-goal deficit to defeat Zambia 6-5 in a thrilling Olympic women’s football match on Sunday. Meanwhile, World Cup holders Spain advanced to the quarter-finals, and Japan pulled off a stunning upset against Brazil.
The Matildas had a dismal start in Group B, suffering a 3-0 defeat to Germany in their opening match. Things looked grim again as they trailed Zambia 5-2 early in the second half in Nice.
However, Australia roared back, culminating in a memorable win as Michelle Heyman scored a dramatic 90th-minute goal.
Zambia’s collapse was shocking, as they had started strongly with Barbra Banda scoring in the first minute and netting a hat-trick, while Racheal Kundananji scored twice.
Alanna Kennedy quickly equalized, but Kundananji restored Zambia’s lead before Banda scored again to make it 3-1. Hayley Raso managed to pull one back, but Banda’s hat-trick goal just before half-time made it 4-2.
Kundananji’s header at the 56-minute mark extended Zambia’s lead to 5-2, but defensive errors gifted Australia a pathway back into the match. Lushomo Mweemba inadvertently turned a clearance from her own goal line into the net, and then goalkeeper Ngambo Musole mishandled a free-kick from Steph Catley, allowing the score to narrow to 5-4.
Catley converted a penalty to level the match at 5-5, and Heyman sprinted through for the winning goal.
In another match, Spain’s star-studded lineup defeated Nigeria 1-0 in Group C, with former Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas scoring a late free-kick. The world champions have secured at least a place among the best third-placed teams, guaranteeing their spot in the quarter-finals.
Earlier in the same group, Japan scored twice in injury time, stunning Brazil with a 2-1 victory thanks to a spectacular 96th-minute winner from Momoko Tanikawa. Japan, the silver medallists from 2012, were facing a second straight defeat after Jhennifer had put Brazil ahead early in the second half. However, captain Saki Kumagai equalized with a penalty in the 92nd minute before Tanikawa’s incredible first-time shot from 30 meters clinched the win.
This result sees Japan and Brazil—silver medallists in 2004 and 2008—now level on three points after two matches.
In Group A, Colombia secured a 2-0 win over New Zealand in Lyon, while hosts France are set to face reigning Olympic champions Canada later. The Canadians are currently embroiled in turmoil after being deducted six points for a spying scandal, which led to coach Bev Priestman’s suspension for a year by FIFA.
AFP
