Canada still alive

Ashley Lawrence and Kadeisha Buchanan featured throughout Canada’s stunning 2-1 win over France in Saint-Etienne. Sandy Baltimore was an unused sub for the hosts.

France took the lead shortly before half-time through Marie-Antoinette Katoto, but former Blue Jessie Fleming levelled for the Canadians on the hour.

Canada, gold medallists in Tokyo last time out, had to score to keep their Olympic dream alive and they did just that in the 12th minute of addtional time, Vanessa Gilles’ low strike going in off the post.

Canada were deducted six points yesterday when FIFA found a drone was used to spy on New Zealand training before their meeting on Wednesday. Canada’s coach Bev Priestman has been suspended for a year, but with wins in their opening two group games they have wiped out their deficit and could still advance to the last eight.

Elsewhere in Group A, Mayra Ramirez was suspended after her red card in Colombia’s opening defeat to France, so she sat out today’s 2-0 victory over New Zealand. Colombia scored in each half and now sit top of the group ahead of a showdown with Canada on Wednesday.

Germans well beaten

Sjoeke Nusken registered an assist for Germany but they were beaten 4-1 by Emma Hayes’ USA in Marseille.

Nusken, playing in midfield, set up Guilia Gwinn’s long-range equaliser midway through the first half. Sophia Smith had given the US the lead and she scored again just before the interval, adding to Mallory Swanson’s goal four minutes after Gwinn’s.

Lynn Williams added gloss to the result for the US which leaves Germany in second place, ahead of Australia who sensationally beat Zambia 6-5 today.

Japan stun Brazil

Earlier on Sunday, Maika Hamano started for Japan as they completed a remarkable turnaround against Brazil at the Parc des Princes.

Japan, the 2012 silver medallists, were facing a second consecutive defeat in Group C that would have left them in serious danger of exiting the competition.

Japan trailed to a goal early in the second half scored by Brazil’s Jhennifer, having earlier passed up the opportunity to take the lead when Mina Tanaka’s penalty was saved.

As the contest entered stoppage time, Japan were given another chance from the spot after a VAR review and Saki Kumagai made no mistake for 1-1.

There was still time for more drama when substitute Momoko Tanikawa capitalised on a defensive mix-up to curl a stunning long-range effort over Brazil’s keeper and into the net.

Hamano was withdrawn immediately after Brazil’s goal so watched the dramatic comeback from the sidelines. Japan’s 2-1 win means they will qualify for the quarter-final if they beat Nigeria in their last group game. They could still advance as one of the best third-placed teams even if they lose.

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