Brazil and Canada faced off for the bronze medal in the Olympic women’s soccer tournament with Canada topping Brazil 2-1.
In a surprise decision, Canada’s leading goal scorer Janine Beckie was not included in her team’s starting lineup.
In the 9th minute, Canada captain Christine Sinclair, who plays for the Portland Thorns, nearly gave her side the lead as she struck her free kick attempt off the crossbar.
Brazil gained some footing in the match following the close call, but it was Canada that opened the scoring midway through the first half.
Following a Brazil turnover, Canada executed a lightning fast counter attack that saw Ashley Lawrence race past Brazil’s defense and send in a cross to Deanne Rose who blasted the ball into the back of the net.
Rose, who is just 17 years old, replaced Janine Beckie in Canada’s starting lineup.
The teams went into halftime with Canada leading 1-0.
To start the second half, Brazil’s Cristiane was subbed off for Debinha. Cristiane, the all-time leading goal scorer at the Olympics, has been hobbled with a hamstring injury throughout the knockout stage.
In the 52nd minute, Sinclair, a University of Portland graduate, received a cross from Rose and scored to double Canada’s lead. With the goal, Sinclair has 11 career goals at the Olympics.
Brazil put pressure on Canada’s defense and found a goal in the 79th minute as the ball fell to Beatriz who knocked it in to cut Brazil’s deficit to one.
Brazil could not find the equalizer in the remaining minutes as Canada secured a 2-1 victory.
With the win, Canada clinches its second straight Olympic women’s soccer bronze medal while Brazil finishes in fourth.
