Canada defeat France as Australia and Zambia play out 11-goal thriller

Reigning champions Canada revived their hopes at the Paris Games with a dramatic 2-1 victory over hosts France. Meanwhile, the United States secured their place in the quarter-finals with strong performances on the second matchday of Olympic women's football on Sunday.

Canada's bid to defend their 2021 gold medal faced a significant setback due to a drone spying scandal. This controversy led to coach Bev Priestman receiving a year-long ban and FIFA imposing a six-point deduction on the team. Assistant coach Andy Spence has now taken the helm, needing maximum points in the remaining Group A matches and a favorable goal difference to advance.

Canada's chances appeared bleak when France's Marie-Antoinette Katoto scored in the 42nd minute after a series of precise passes. However, captain Jessie Fleming equalized 13 minutes into the second half. The game seemed destined for a draw until Vanessa Gilles capitalized on a rebound in the 12th minute of stoppage time to clinch the win. Canada will face Colombia in their final group match on Wednesday.

In Group B, four-time Olympic gold medallists USA continued their impressive form with a commanding 4-1 victory over Germany in Marseille. Sophia Smith led the charge with a first-half brace, complemented by goals from Mallory Swanson and Lynn Williams.

Smith opened the scoring for Emma Hayes' side in the 10th minute with a straightforward finish. Germany's Giulia Gwinn quickly equalized, but Swanson's goal restored the USA's lead. Smith added a second with a deflected shot just before halftime, and Williams' late goal sealed the dominant win for the USA.

Brazil missed the chance to secure a quarter-final spot after a late 2-1 loss to Japan in their Group C clash at Parc des Princes, while Colombia edged past Group A rivals New Zealand 2-0 in the second matchday of women's Olympic football on Sunday.

Brazil initially took the lead with a goal from Jheniffer, but Japan turned the game around in stoppage time with goals from Saki Kumagai and Momoko Tanikawa, securing their first points after a defeat by Spain in their opener.

Colombia, recovering from a loss to hosts France, boosted their chances of advancing with their first win, thanks to Marcela Restrepo's volley and a goal from Leicy Santos.

The top two teams in each of the three groups advance, along with the two best third-placed sides.

Brazil's Jheniffer scored a fine low shot in the 56th minute, set up by six-time Olympian Marta, who received a standing ovation when she left the pitch six minutes before full time.

Japan, having missed a penalty before halftime, equalized in stoppage time with Kumagai's spot-kick following a handball by Yasmim. Substitute Tanikawa then netted a long-range shot after a misplaced pass by Rafaelle.

In another match, Colombia opened the scoring in the 26th minute with a brilliant volley by Restrepo, capitalizing on sloppy defending from New Zealand. Leicy Santos sealed the win in the 72nd minute with a fine strike off the woodwork, moving Colombia to three points.

Australia boosted their chances of advancing with their first win of the competition. In a high-scoring match in Nice, the Matildas rallied from two goals down to clinch a thrilling 6-5 win over Zambia in Group B. Steph Catley scored twice for Australia, while Racheal Kundananji scored twice for Zambia, and Barbara Banda netted a hat-trick, her third for an Olympic record.

Meanwhile, Spain reached the quarterfinals with a 1-0 win over Nigeria in Nantes, thanks to a late winner from Alexia Putellas.

In a tense Group C matchup, world champions Spain finally broke through Nigeria's steadfast defense with a stunning free-kick from former Ballon d'Or winner Putellas. The crucial goal came just five minutes before the end, slipping past the Nigerian goalkeeper and defenders who had effectively frustrated Montse Tome's squad up to that point.