Sunday marked one of the most wild days in women's soccer international tournament history.
The second slate of group-stage games in the Olympic women's soccer tournament produced four late game-winners and an 11-goal thriller.
Two-time silver-medalist Brazil looked as though it'd secured a 1-0 victory over Japan, but then came stoppage time.
In the 92nd minute, Saki Kumagai pulled one back for Japan. Four minutes later, Momoko Tanikawa tried an audacious strike from distance off a misplaced Brazilian pass.
JAPAN COMPLETE THE COMEBACK AT THE DEATH TO SEAL A 2-1 WIN VS BRAZIL. AND WHAT A FINISH FROM MOMOKO TANIKAWA TO DO IT
— The Women's Game (@WomensGameMIB) July 28, 2024
@TelemundoSports pic.twitter.com/T4rxsR9rhe
The precision was enough to beat the goalkeeper and deflate Brazil's spirit, sending Japan to second in the group ahead of the final group-stage games on Wednesday.
Tournament-favorite and world No. 1 Spain was nearly held to a scoreless draw with Nigeria until Alexia Putellas scored a wondrous free kick in the 85th minute.
Alexia Putellas with the free kick to give Spain the late lead.
— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 28, 2024
Ridiculous
(via @TelemundoSports)pic.twitter.com/JPosMYLJeq
Spain sits atop Group C with six points and a plus-two goal difference.
In Group A, Canada, which was deducted six points by FIFA after a drone-spying scandal, scored in the 102nd minute to defeat host France 2-1. The win brings Canada to zero points and gives it a fighting chance to advance to the knockout round.
FT | CANADA STAYS ALIVE. WINS 2-1
— Ben Steiner (@BenSteiner00) July 28, 2024
Jessie Fleming and Vanessa Gilles absolutely CLUTCH, and Canada win with an outstanding second-half performance. #CANWNT back to 0 points. Team of Destiny?
Canada could advance v Colombia. pic.twitter.com/MFV8XhsF8Y
Group B saw not only a game-winner, but the second-most goals ever in the Olympic women's soccer tournament.
Zambia was in full control at halftime, leading 4-2 thanks to a hat trick by NWSL MVP-leader Barbra Banda. She now holds the most hat-tricks in Olympic history having notched her third in five Olympic games.
Australia went on to score four straight goals after the 58th minute with Michelle Heyman scoring the game-winner in the 90th minute to put the Matildas up 6-5. Heyman retired from international soccer five years ago before being asked to give it one last go this summer in Paris.
WOW! 11 GOAL THRILLER!
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 28, 2024
Australia came back from being 5-2 down to WIN 6-5! #BBCOlympics #Olympics #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/tHEbafVYo8
The late goal in the United States' match versus Germany was not as dramatic, extending its lead to 4-1. Substitute Lynn Williams sealed the win with an 89th-minute finish past her Gotham FC teammate and German goalkeeper Ann Katrin-Berger.
Lynn Williams scores four minutes after subbing on ⚡
— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 28, 2024
(via @TelemundoSports)pic.twitter.com/QnDYTv8NRm
The Americans lead Group B going into Wednesday's match with Australia. They need just a draw to win the group.
Days like Sunday prove how special and competitive this major tournament is for women's soccer. With 12 teams and only three medals to be won, every side fights to the final whistle for its slice of history.
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