Women’s soccer team | Canada through to quarter-finals if they beat Colombia

(Nice) The situation off the pitch largely overshadowed the play on the pitch for the Canadian women’s soccer team at the Paris Olympics.

Despite a Canada Soccer spying scandal that escalated to massive proportions over the past week, the players persevered in their quest to defend their Olympic title.

“It’s absolutely crazy,” said Quebec forward Gabrielle Carle. “I don’t know any team that’s ever been put in this situation and come out on top like we did.”

Canada won both games by 2-1 scores, but remains at zero in the standings due to a six-point deduction from FIFA.

The sanction was the top of a list of penalties imposed on Canada Soccer after a drone was used to film the practice of New Zealand, Canada’s first opponent at the Olympic tournament. There was no indication the players were involved.

An eventful week will end Wednesday night against Colombia in a match that will see Canada advance to the quarterfinals if they win. The players should find out earlier in the day whether Canada’s appeal will overturn FIFA’s decision or not.

“We cannot control [la décision]”We can only try to get the win,” said Canadian defender Ashley Lawrence.

In great shape

Canada, ranked eighth in the world, is in great shape after a second consecutive victory. Vanessa Gilles scored in the 12th^e minute of second-half added time against FIFA second-ranked France to give Canada a dramatic victory in Saint-Étienne.

Following FIFA’s decision, which handed head coach Bev Priestman and two assistants one-year bans, many players described the game as the most emotional they had ever played.

“I think you’ve seen in the first two games how this team responds to circumstances,” interim head coach Andy Spence said.

“It gives me a lot of confidence, and the players too, that whatever happens, they are ready to go for it.”

World number 20 Colombia opened with a 3-2 defeat to France before beating New Zealand 2-0.

Canada opened its tournament with a 2-1 victory over New Zealand, 28^e.

France and New Zealand will face each other on Wednesday evening in Lyon.

“Morale is good at the moment,” Carle said. “Winning like that against France really does something for us. We feel inspired.”

Colombia and France lead Group A with three points each. Canada has the best goal differential of the four countries in the group. New Zealand has no points, like Canada.

Eight of the 12 teams in the competition will advance to the quarter-final stage. The top two teams from each group will qualify, as will the two best third-placed teams from their group.

Defender Jayde Riviere was back in training with the Canadian team on a sweltering afternoon at Parc des Sports des Iscles, near the Stade de Nice. She missed the first two games with an injury.

The training was shortened due to excessive heat.

Historically, Canada has won both of its matches against Colombia. The last victory was in July 2012 by a score of 1-0.

Spence said the Canadians – who are aiming for a fourth consecutive Olympic podium – have remained calm in recent days despite the ongoing developments. He added the team has shown it is quite comfortable in situations where a win is a must.

“If you’ve been in that situation and you’ve been through those moments, I think it gives you a little bit of confidence,” Spence said. “It’s not a new experience.”

The quarter-finals begin on Saturday, with knockout matches continuing until the final on August 10 in Paris.