Chelsea midfielder Jessie Fleming caused an upset in the Women football world, as she bagged the only goal for Canada to send off World Champions United States home in a 1-0 victory in their Olympic Games Women’s Football Tournament semi-final game.
The 23-year-old midfielder found the back of the net from the penalty spot in the second half of the game as the Canadian team shocked the Americans to secure themselves a spot in the final, where they will be facing Sweden, while casinos online will be placing odds on the game.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe United States was previously named as the favourite for the match against Canada, but the Bev Preistman’s side fought hard to secure a win, as they continue to grow under the reign of their new boss Priestman.
The first half of the game could be seen as quite strenuous for both sides, as they failed to register any goal. The major event started when American goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher succumbed to an injury. The goalkeeper landed awkwardly on the ground after winning a cross midway through the half. Adrianna Franch was subbed in to replace the goalkeeper.
The United States was brimming with energy in the second half of the game, but with the game still without a goal, Vlatko Andonovski decided to make three attacking changes and Megan Rapinoe, Christen Press and Carli Lloyd enter the pitch.
Although these changes didn’t show an immediate effect, the Canadian goalkeeper Stephanie Labbe was placed on high alert as she fends off a formidable strike from Lloyd.
The game took a full turn when Canadian player Deanne Rose was taken down by Tierna Davidson. Although there wasn’t a lot of contacts, the VAR highlighted the foul before pointing to the spot.
The responsibility of the penalty kick fell on Chelsea midfielder Fleming who found the back of the net to give her team the lead.
“I took a deep breath and did what I’ve done before,” Fleming said via machine a sous.
The United States did all they could to find that goal to level the scoreline against Canada in the final minutes, but the Priestman’s team held tightly onto the lead to claim a place in the final on Friday against Sweden.
Following their victory against the United States, Canada coach Bev Priestman said: “I’m clear that winners win and we’re going into this final to absolutely get a gold medal.”
Canadian captain Christine Sinclair also said: “Back-to-back bronzes, we were kind of sick of that. And this team, I mean, wow, what a performance, what a fight. Just so proud of our team, and one more to go.”
