Canada and France faced off in the quarterfinals of the women’s soccer tournament Friday night, with Canada coming out on top 1-0 to remain undefeated in Rio.
The two teams played a tightly contested first half with very few scoring chances.
In the third minute, Canada’s Christine Sinclair received a cross near the top of the box, but she sent her shot just wide of the goal in what proved to be her team’s best chance of the first half.
France put some pressure on Canada’s defense late in the half and nearly scored in stoppage time as Wendie Renard sent a glancing header to the wrong side of the post.
In the 56th minute, Canada took the lead through a Sophie Schmidt volley. Schmidt got on the end of a precise cross from Janine Beckie and blasted her shot into the back of the net to make it 1-0.
Following Canada’s goal, France had the better of the scoring opportunities, but could not find an equalizer as the match finished 1-0.
With the win, Canada advanced to the semifinals where it will face Germany on Tuesday, Aug. 16. France is eliminated from Olympic competition.