THE hope of the Super Falcons of Nigeria reaching the knockout stage of the women’s football tournament at the ongoing Olympic Games in Paris, France has received a major blow.
The Super Falcons, who went down to Brazil in their opening game 1-0, were again beaten on Sunday by World champion Spain 1-0 in Nantes.
The world champions had to wait until the closing stages of their Group C clash to break the Nigerian wall with a wonderful free kick from former Ballon d’Or winner Putellas.Putellas struck five minutes from time beyond the Nigerian goalkeeper and defenders, who until then had frustrated Montse Tome’s side.
The defeat means Nigeria is pointless in two outings and will need to beat Japan in their last group match on Wednesday to stand any chance of progressing to the knockout stage of the competition.
Earlier on Sunday, Japan defeated Brazil 2-1 to rekindle their hope of staying in the French capital beyond Wednesday when they will face the Falcons.
A point will be enough to see Japan through to the quarter-finals alongside Spain from Group C.
Meanwhile, the second African flag bearers in the women’s football tournament, Zambia wasted a three-goal lead in the thrilling confrontation with Australia in Nice.
The exciting encounter ended 6-5 in favour of the Ladies from down under while the defeat was the second for coach Bruce Mwape. Barbara Banda’s first-half hat trick was not enough to save the Copper Queens.
They lost their opening game 3-0 to the USA.
USA booked a place in the last eight by hitting Germany 4-1 while host France lost 2-1 to the defending champions Canada.
Colombia edged Group A rivals New Zealand 2-0 in Lyon thanks to Marcela Restrepo’s volley and a goal from Leicy Santos.
The South Americans opened the scoring in the 26th minute with a brilliant volley by Restrepo, who pounced on some sloppy New Zealand defending before Leicy Santos’s fine strike off the woodwork sealed the win in the 72nd.
Eighteen-Eleven Media