Canada wins Olympic soccer gold in penalty shootout over Sweden

AFP | Tokyo

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Canada triumphed with their first gold medal in women’s football by beating Sweden 3-2 on penalties after yesterday’s final ended 1-1 following regular and extra time.

Julia Grosso kept her cool with the decisive penalty in sudden death to give Canada a top spot on the podium after bronze medals at London and Rio. The Swedish team, who had enjoyed far greater pressure throughout the 120 minutes and were one kick away from victory in the shootout, collapsed on the ground, with several members of the squad breaking into tears.

The Canadian players whooped in delight and embraced after another resilient defensive display following their upset of the gold medal favourites the United States in the semi-finals. That win over the Americans had come via a penalty from Jessie Fleming and the tireless 23-year-old midfielder again proved a key figure.

Stina Blackstenius had put Sweden ahead in the 34th minute, steering home a slightly scuffed shot after Kosovare Asllani squared the ball. But Fleming brought Canada level in the 67th minute after the referee went to the pitchside monitor and ruled that Swedish defender Amanda Ilestedt had brought down Canada striker Christine Sinclair.

Sweden dominated for the remainder of normal time and the 30 minutes of extra time but failed to turn the pressure into efforts on goal.