RIO DE JANEIRO — United States kept its quest for fourth straight women’s football gold firmly on track when captain Carli Lloyd ensured a 1-0 victory over France to qualify for the quarterfinals.
Brazil is also into the last eight as, inspired by a near 60,000 capacity crowd at the Rio Olympic Stadium and two goals from five-time world player of the year Marta, it thrashed Sweden 5-1.
The United States is now unbeaten in 13 Olympic matches and, a year on from scoring a hat trick in the World Cup final, Lloyd has once again been the United States’ inspiration in Brazil.
After netting the US opener in a 2-0 win against New Zealand Wednesday, she slotted home the only goal in Belo Horizonte after Tobin Heath’s initial effort came back off the post.
The US team is assured of its place in the knockout rounds as at least one of the two best third-placed sides, but can secure top spot in Group H with just a point against Colombia Tuesday.
France had impressed in thrashing Colombia 4-0 in its opening game and had the better of the first 45 minutes.
However, American keeper Hope Solo made a huge save to deny Marie Laure Delie on her 200th international appearance.
New Zealand beat Colombia 1-0 in the other game in the Group to move level with France on three points. In contrast to their male counterparts, who stumbled 0-0 against South Africa under the pressure to deliver Brazil’s first Olympic football gold, the host’s women have been the most impressive side in the tournament.
“Initially the pressure was all about performing well and promoting women’s football,” said Brazil coach Vadao.
“Now we have played so well the pressure changes because people’s expectations rise, so we will face a different pressure now.”
Tan Ruyin scored with a sensational dipping drive from over 40 yards out as China moved into second in Group E with a 2-0 win over South Africa.
Canada is also through to the knockout stages after sealing its second win in as many games against tournament debutant Zimbabwe 3-1 in Sao Paulo.
Germany sits in second place with four points after coming back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Australia in front of 37,000 fans in Sao Paulo.
