In Japan Group E, Ellen White’s brace helped Great Britain win 2–0 (1–0) against Chile in the opening game at Sapporo. Before kick-off, both teams, including the referee, had taken a knee to send a strong signal against racism. A few days ago, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) lifted a long-standing ban on athletes protesting at the Olympic Games.
All the players got down on their knees in protest before the duel between world champion USA and World Cup III Sweden in Tokyo. From a sporting point of view, things did not go well for the Americans, who played alongside all-stars like Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan and Carli Lloyd during the game. The world champion missed his penetrating power, especially on the offensive. Stina Blakstenius (25th, 55th) and Lena Hertig (72nd) set up a clear victory for Sweden.
Olympic false start for American football players
Record world champion USA put down a classic belly mark at the start of the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament. The Americans suffered a 3-0 loss to the Swedish selection on Wednesday.
The 2016 Olympic champion spoiled the US women’s tour in Brazil five years ago. At that time, the Europeans knocked out the Americans via a penalty shoot-out in the quarterfinals. In the gold final they eventually lost to Germany in the bottom 1: 2. DFB selection is not held in Tokyo after not qualifying. Australia celebrated a 2–1 (2–0) victory over New Zealand in parallel play in Group G.
Marta creates history, “Oranje” celebrates shooting festival
However, the Brazilians had no problem as they defeated China 5–0 (2–0) at the Miyagi Stadium. Old star Marta, who had already won Olympic silver with the South Americans in Athens in 2004, scored twice (9th, 74th) and made history. The 35-year-old is the first female football player to score in five consecutive Olympic Games. Other hits came from Debinha (22nd), Andressa (80th) and Beatriz (89th).
The Dutch women, who beat Zambia 10:3 (6:1), then presented themselves in a round mood. Vivian Miedema differed with four hits (9th, 15th, 29th, 59th). In addition, Leakey Martens signed the shooting list twice (14th, 38th). Shenis van de Sanden (44th), Jill Ruard (64th), Lyneth Berenstein (75th) and Victoria Pelova (80th) also met. Barbara Banda (19th, 82nd, 83rd) was successful three times for Zambia.
Hosts Japan missed out on a wrong start in Group E. Christine Sinclair gave Canada the lead after just six minutes of play. The Japanese, world champion since 2011 and vice world champion from 2015, as well as Olympic runner-up in 2012, Mina Tanaka after failing with a 54th-minute penalty in Canada’s final, eventually ended up being somewhat short by Mana Iwabuchi (84th). Time was released earlier. Lady stephanie labbe.
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