2024 Olympics: Gilles’ last-second strike against France keeps Olympic hopes alive for Canada | OneFootball

Just when all looked lost in France, a hero in the form of Vanessa Gilles stepped up to save the chance for Canada to defend their Olympic title.

Looking at a group stage exit with any result other than a win, Canada were level with France until the final moments of the game. Defender Gilles put home the winner, and Canada keeps the possibility of defending their gold.

Starting XIs

France

Peyraud-Magnin (GK), de Almeida, Nka, Renard, Bacha, Toletti, Geyoro, Dali, Cascarino, Katoto, Diani.

Canada

Sheridan (GK), Lawrence, Rose, Gilles, Buchanan, Carle, Quinn, Fleming, Awujo, Price, Huitema.

First half

Two evenly matched sides with all to play for took the pitch in the first half. Back and forth play with a few chances throughout had the match looking as though the teams would go into the break all square. However, France’s hero from their opener, Marie-Antoinette Katoto, gave the host nation the lead. A brilliant piece of footwork got her space, and she put the ball near post on Kailen Sheridan.

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Second half

The two sides came out of the break and played evenly until the 58th minute. Ashley Lawrence sent in a shot, and Pauline Peyraud-Magnin was scarily kicked in the face by her own defender coming back. The ball came right to Jessie Fleming, who calmly put it in the back of the net. Peyraud-Magnin was stretchered off and replaced with Constance Picaud. Fortunately, France’s starter gave the thumbs-up on the way out, and does not appear to have been injured severely. The teams then played each other evenly for the rest of the half. One would have thought the teams were destined for a draw.

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Stoppage time

The second half stoppage time proved to be the most exciting part of the match. Both sides missed glorious chances; Griedge Mbock putting a header over the bar for France followed by Evelyne Viens missing wide for Canada. Sheridan’s save of Katoto’s point-blank chance 99th minute was nothing short of sublime.

And then, in the 12th minute of stoppage time, it happened.

A calm, measured attack from Canada saw Adriana Leon drop the ball back to Jordyn Huitema just outside the box. The striker’s shot was stopped by Picaud, but the rebound came directly to Gilles. She put the ball in short-side, and Canada had the victory.

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Canada and France both are in good stead to advance. With the result, Canada’s Olympics are firmly in their own hands. If they can defeat Columbia, they will finish either first or second in Group A. Their final placement will depend also on the result of the France/New Zealand match. France also controls their own destiny, as a win over New Zealand will place them atop the group.

Canada making it out of group play will be remarkable considering the six-point penalty that was assessed to the squad. As this penalty was due to the actions of the coaching staff and federation, one feels for the players. Moving on would be a bit of poetic justice. Canada’s federation, Canada Soccer, has a lot of issues that need to be fixed. The players, both women and men, deserve better.

Next up

As stated, Canada will finish their Olympics with their match against Colombia. France will finish their group play against New Zealand. Both matches will take place on Wednesday — streaming on Discovery+ in the UK and Peacock in the US.

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