Weir's deflected strike secures top spot for Great Britain

Great Britain set up a quarter-final tie with Australia after topping Group E at the Olympic Games. A quiet first half with lacked any major goalscoring opportunities came to life in the second.

Adriana Leon put Canada ahead in the 55th minute after a lovely cut back by Ashley Lawrence. That sent Canada top of the group, but Caroline Weir struck five minutes from time with the help of a wicked deflection off captain Kadeisha Buchanan. A draw was definitely the right result and Canada will now have to face Brazil in Rifu. Great Britain, as well as playing Australia, have the benefit of not having to travel as their quarter-final is in Kashima. 

Canada had the opening chance in the second minute when Viens hit wide of Roebuck's right hand post in the second minute. Conditions were tough with the pouring rain early on and there were very few chances. It was a fairly evenly matched affair with chances at a premium, but GB could have taken the lead in the 33rd minute. Scott passed to Rachel Daly, who could have been offside, but her shot was well blocked for a corner by Lawrence. 

It was goalless at the interval and Canada looked notably better after bringing on Fleming and Huitema. They were very sharp and caused Great Britain several problems. Williamson had to head away a dangerous looking ball by Huitema and then Bright had to bail out Roebuck after the keeper passed the ball straight to Leon. However, in the 55th minute, Canada were rewarded. 

Ashley Lawrence went down the near side, she cut back for Leon in the area and the West Ham player fired past Ellie Roebuck to give Canada the advantage. That goal seemed to wake up GB and they looked more positive aftet that. Ellen White and Scott were both brought to get the all important draw to top the group. 

Weir was so unlucky not to level in the 68th minute when her cross come shot struck both the crossbar and the post, but stayed out. Despite looking like it would not be GB's day, they kept on attacking. Canada did not look scoring again and in the 85th minute, Weir got the luck she lacked earlier when her 30 yard effort took a wicked deflection off Buchanan's arm and went into the far corner. Stephanie Labbe was left with no chance and Canada had to settle for second spot.

 

July 27, 2021