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NICE, France (AP) — Colombia conceded three goals in the first half of its match against France in the Olympic women’s soccer tournament on Thursday and failed to respond enough, ultimately losing to the host nation 3-2.
Marie-Antoinette Katoto scored twice and Kenza Dali added the other goal to give France a head start in its Group A match.
It was a first half to forget for the Colombians, with Linda Caicedo, Catalina Usme and Mayra Ramírez having no role to play in attack after missing out on the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and everything pointed to a disaster for Lyon.
But Colombia was another addition that caused trouble for one of the best defensive teams in the world.
Catarina Usme won a penalty early in the second half and Manuela Parvi scored in the 64th minute to further reduce the deficit.
In the closing stages, as Colombia pushed for a draw, striker Ramirez was sent off after a powerful tackle on Selma Becha. The decision was confirmed by VAR.
United States 3, Zambia 0
Mallory Swanson scored twice in the first half as the United States beat Zambia 3-0, giving new head coach Emma Hayes her first major tournament victory as the team’s manager.
Trinity Rodman also scored for the United States, which was trying to extend its Olympic record with a fifth gold medal.
The match was further complicated by the fact that Zambia were outnumbered from the 33rd minute onwards as Zulu were expelled.
The win in Nice moved the United States into first place in Group B.
Hayes, who took over as U.S. coach in late May after finishing the season with English soccer club Chelsea, faced some surprise with his decision, as he ruled out three-time Olympic veteran Alex Morgan.
Spain 2, Japan 1
The World Cup champions came from behind to beat Japan in Group C thanks to a goal and an assist from Aitana Bumati.
The Spanish team, participating in the Olympics for the first time, encountered adverse conditions in Nantes. Fumino Aoba scored a wonderful free kick in the 13th minute to help Japan take the lead.
Spain must have feared a repeat of last year’s 4-0 defeat to Japan at the World Cup. But Bumati, the great figure in women’s football over the past 12 months, equalised nine minutes later after dribbling past goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita.
Bombati also assisted Mariona Cardenti’s winning goal in the 74th.
Canada 2, New Zealand 1
Evelyne Viens scored in the 79th minute to give the defending Olympic champions victory in a match that was plagued by accusations of using drones to spy on opponents in training.
After the game, it was announced that head coach Bev Priestman had been relieved of his duties for the remainder of the game.
The Canadian Olympic Committee said in a statement early Friday that assistant coach Andy Spence will coach the defending Olympic champions for the remainder of the Games.
St Etienne’s Group A clash was marred by controversy, with two assistants on the Canadian coaching staff being sent home for their alleged involvement in the use of a drone that flew over a New Zealand training session.
Mackenzie Barry gave New Zealand the lead in the 13th minute, but Chloe Lacasse equalized for Canada in first-half injury time.
Brazil 1, Nigeria 0
Gabi Nunes scored in the 37th minute as Brazil beat the African side in Group C in Bordeaux.
Marta, a six-time player of the year, is making her sixth Olympic appearance for Brazil and the 38-year-old captain said the 2024 Paris Olympics would be her last major international tournament for her country.
The Brazilians wanted to bid farewell to Marta with a prestigious title that has eluded her. Brazil has never won an Olympic gold medal, only taking silver in 2004 and 2008.
In another match, Germany beat Australia 3-0 in Marseille.
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