TEAM GB will face Australia in the quarter-finals of the women’s Olympic football tournament after topping their group.
A 1-1 draw against Canada was enough to finish above their opponents – and Hege Riise’s side could now face world champions USA in the final.
Canadian winger Adriana Leon threatened to snatch top spot off the Brits when she opened the scoring in the second half.
But a late equaliser from Scottish midfielder Caroline Weir saved Team GB against the 2012 and 2016 bronze medallists.
Having already progressed, manager Riise made five changes – resting three-goal Ellen White and adding Fran Kirby to the bench after injury.
Team GB gained the upper hand in the first half, with Georgia Stanway going close before Rachel Daly was denied by an excellent block from Ashley Lawrence.
The Brits became sloppy after the break and were made to pay when Leon converted a neat ball from Lawrence in the 56th minute.
Team GB pushed for an equaliser and got their reward five minutes from time when Weir’s 25-year effort deflected on it’s way in.
On our day I definitely think we put out better performances the better the opposition. Our job is getting ready for the next game, one game at a time, but we absolutely believe we can get on that podium.
Beverly Priestman, Canada Manager
Speaking after the match, Riise said: “I believe strongly in this team, a great team always finds a way to come back and we did.
“Closer to the finish we started to get some momentum, luckily we were good enough to get the goal.
“It was an important goal. We top the group, we’re staying here and have a little bit more rest so we are happy.
“There are always things you want to improve on, we have played three games against three good opponents and have performed better and better.
“We haven’t been together that long so we’ll improve every game.
“Overall we looked strong and confident and that will be important going forward.”
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Team GB’s draw with Canada means they will face Australia, who finished third in their group, in the quarter-finals.
The winner of that tie will take on either hosts Japan or Sweden in the next round, with the latter recording a 3-0 victory against the US.
The Americans are in the other side of the draw and must defeat European champions Holland if they are to face Canada or Brazil in the semi-finals.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
