4 August 2012 00:39
Great Britain’s medal hopes in the women’s Olympic football ended after their side’s 2-0 defeat to Canada in the quarter-finals.
The Canadians scored twice in the first half with a 12th minute goal from Jonelle Filigno and a strike into the far corner from captain Christine Sinclair on 26 minutes setting up the win.
Canada will face the United States in their semi-final after Abbey Wamback and Sydney Leroux scored in the Americans’ 2-0 victory over New Zealand.
The other semi final match-up will be between France and Japan after both won their respective quarter-finals.
Japan stunned medal favourites Brazil 2-0 despite having just 33 per cent possession and being outplayed by the South Americans.
The fast-paced Japanese were led by Yuki Ogimi who ran on to a free kick from Homare Sawa to score in the 27th minute, before setting up Shinobu Ohno, who chipped over the goalkeeper in the 73rd.
For France, two goals from defenders Laura Georges and Wendie Renard sealed their semi-final berth after a 2-1 win over Sweden.
Captain Nilla Fischer gave the Swedes the lead on 18 minutes, but a header to equalise from Georges in the 29th minute and a close-range finish from Renard in the 39th saw the French through.