Vanessa Gilles’ dramatic 102nd-minute goal kept Canada’s hopes of defending their Olympic crown alive, as they came from behind to stun 2024 hosts France 2-1 at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint-Étienne.
This victory brings Assistant Coach Andy Spence’s interim side back to zero points in Group A, following their six-point deduction. France remains on three points, held off the top spot by Colombia due to an inferior goal difference.
After the announcement regarding Canada and Head Coach Bev Priestman, France made two defensive changes from the team that defeated Colombia. Élisa De Almeida and Selma Bacha replaced Sakina Karchaoui and Maëlle Lakrar.
Following FIFA’s condemnation of Canada’s involvement in dronegate, which resulted in a six-point deduction and a year-long ban for Priestman, the defending Olympic champions recalled Jordyn Huitema and Simi Awujo to their starting XI.
How it happened
France, aiming to appease the home crowd’s expectations after defeating Colombia in a thrilling match, quickly called Canadian goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan into action. Sandie Toletti fired straight into Sheridan’s arms following a breakdown in Canada’s defense.
Wendie Renard and Élisa De Almeida fired wide within sixty seconds of each other as France continued their relentless pursuit of the opening goal.
France’s determination paid off in the 42nd minute when Marie-Antoinette Katoto netted her third goal of the 2024 Olympic Games. She expertly manuevered past two Canadian defenders before beating Sheridan at her near post with a precise strike.
Second Half
Knowing they needed victories against France and Colombia to have any chance of reaching the quarter-finals, the defending Olympic champions rallied after the restart. They levelled the score shortly before the hour mark.
French goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin, who appeared unsettled against Colombia, failed to deal with Ashley Lawrence’s cross. Canada’s captain Jessie Fleming capitalized on Peyraud-Magnin’s poor positioning to slot home the equaliser.
As the game progressed, France’s situation worsened. Peyraud-Magnin and captain Renard were forced off with injuries that could jeopardise their participation for the remainder of the tournament. Griedge Mbock and Katoto missed golden opportunities to secure a late victory for France.
In football, missed chances often lead to punishment, and that’s exactly what happened. Canada broke France’s hearts in the 12th minute of second-half stoppage time.
Substitute goalkeeper Constance Picaud, on for Peyraud-Magnin, could only parry Huitema’s effort into the path of defender Gilles.
Gilles fired home the rebound, sparking unrivalled celebrations from the Canadian camp and keeping their dream of defending their Olympic crown alive.
Starting XIs
France: Peyraud-Magnin; De Almeida, Renard ©, Mbock, Bacha; Toletti; Geyoro, Dali; Diani, Cascarino, Katoto
Canada: Sheridan; Rose, Gilles, Buchanan, Lawrence, Carle; Fleming ©, Quinn, Awujo; Prince, Huitema
Featured image courtesy of ©ville de St Etienne via Wikimedia Commons. No changes were made to this image. License details found here.
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