Despite being docked six points, soccer-Canada advances to the Olympic quarterfinals

The reigning champions Canada defeated Colombia 1-0 in Nice on Wednesday to advance to the quarterfinals of the women’s Olympic football competition, just hours after their appeal against their six-point deduction was rejected.

Along with France, Germany, Japan, and Brazil on Wednesday, Colombia also secured their place in the knockout stages; however, Australia was left out.

The quarterfinals will take place on Saturday. The results on Wednesday set up some intriguing last-eight matchups, including Spain versus Colombia, France versus Brazil, the United States versus Japan, and Canada versus Germany.

After coach Bev Priestman and other staff members were suspended due to a drone surveillance scandal, Canada was deducted points. Earlier in the day, the Court of Arbitration for Sport rejected their appeal against the FIFA fine.

In order to advance from Group A, Canada, under the direction of assistant coach Andy Spence, needed to win all three groups in order to advance, along with the two best third-place teams.

They finished second in the standings with three points, and Vanessa Gilles’ goal in the 61st minute against Colombia after a set piece was sufficient to advance them into the knockout stages after victories against New Zealand and the host nation, France.

Colombia, one of the top third-place teams, advanced to their first-ever Olympic quarterfinal despite the loss.

Marie-Antoinette Katoto’s double helped France advance as the Group A winners, defeating New Zealand 2-1 in Lyon.

Before New Zealand equalized three minutes before halftime with a lovely Kate Taylor volley, Katoto had opened the score with a header in the 22nd minute.

But five minutes into the second half, Katoto scored her second goal, making her the tournament’s top scorer with five goals.

With goals from Elisa Senss and Klara Buehl, as well as a brace from Lea Schueller, Germany destroyed Zambia 4-1 at St. Etienne to secure a place in the next round by finishing second in Group B.

Ten minutes in, Schueller gave the 2016 gold medalists the lead, which Bruhl increased two minutes later with a long-range effort.

Barbra Banda of Zambia scored her fourth goal of the competition after the German goalie erred, but Schueller leveled the score in the 61st minute, and Senss completed the sweep in stoppage time.

AUSTRALIA OUT

Australia finished third in Group B with three points, however they had a worse goal differential than the other two teams in third place, Brazil and Colombia, which meant they were eliminated following a 2-1 loss to the United States.

With a flawless nine points at the end of the group round, the previously qualifying United States put on another outstanding display.

In the 43rd minute, Trinity Rodman gave the four-time gold medallists the lead. In the 77th minute, Korbin Albert made it 2-0 with an incredible shot. In stoppage time, Alanna Kennedy gave Australia a response.

Spain defeated Brazil 2-0 in Group C, securing their berth in the knockout round and winning three games in a row with to goals from Athenea del Castillo and Alexia Putellas in the second half.

In the closing moments of the first half, Marta, the all-time top scorer for Brazil, received a red card for a risky challenge on Olga Carmona of Spain. Marta is retiring from international football this year.

After Del Castillo scored again in the 68th minute, Putellas’ incredible goal in the 88th minute cemented the victory for the World Cup victors, who went on to lead Group C.

runners-up in Group C In Nantes, Japan defeated Nigeria 3-1 to get six points.

In the 22nd minute, Chelsea’s Maika Hamano scored the first goal, and ten minutes later, Mina Tanaka added another.

Three minutes before halftime, Jennifer Echegini made it 2-1, but Hikaru Kitagawa’s free kick gave Japan the victory.