Aitana Bonmati seals Spain’s Olympics progress, Germany loses to USA

The female football event at the 2024 Paris Olympics continued on Sunday with the second round of group stage matches played across all three groups with six matches. The first match of Sunday saw a surprising comeback 2-1 victory for Japan against Brazil while New Zealand lost to Colombia in a 2-0 defeat.

Hosts France lost 2-1 to an embattled Canada before the USA thrashed Germany 4-1. With progress to the next round on the line, there were more group shuffles than qualification secured, although Spain and the USA secured their progress with easy wins.

France delayed their confirmation in the disappointing 2-1 loss to an embattled Canada who needs a miracle to qualify for the next round after they were slammed a 6-point deduction by FIFA due to a drone spy on their opponents. A late 13-minute stoppage time goal gave Canada the victory despite conceding first, halfway through the first half, with a goal from French forward Katoto.

Nigeria had an impressive defensive display against world champions Spain, who needed a brilliant free kick from Balon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas late in the second half to win. Although Salma Paralluelo found the back of the net early into the second half, it was ruled out for offside. 

Brazil couldn’t hold on to seal their own progress from Group C, their 1-0 win against Nigeria in the first game set them on track and they also scored the first against Japan and led for over 70 minutes before the Japanese scored two late goals to secure their own first victory of the games.

Rachael Kundananji and Barbra Banda led Zambia well from the front but their defence could not hold on as Australia came back from behind to win 6-5. Banda scored a hat-trick while Rachael had a brace in the game.

The Zambians may as well have been knocked out, but USA’s 4-1 victory over Germany keeps them alive, although the Zambians must win handsomely against the Germans.