Canada resoundingly finished a 36-game winless run against the United States, with Jessie Fleming’s penalty securing a spot in the women’s football final at the Tokyo Olympics.
The United States had 17 attempts on Monday, but a second Games defeat – they were defeated 3-0 by Sweden in the first group match – means the reigning world champions will not have a chance to secure gold in Japan.
There was also controversy over the winning goal, as a VAR check resulted in Canada receiving a penalty for a Tierna Davidson foul on Deanne Rose in the 74th minute.
Substitute goalkeeper Adrianna Franch, who had replaced the injured Alyssa Naeher in the first half, guessed right, but Fleming’s penalty still found the net.
Canada stubbornly held out for the remainder of the race to secure their first triumph over their rivals since March 11, 2001.
Canada 1-0 USA in the women’s Olympic semifinal a # Tokyo2020 .
This was Canada’s first win over the United States since March 11, 2001, ending a 36-game winless run. #CANWNT #USWNT pic.twitter.com/7gepoyG280
– The analyst (@OptaAnalyst) 2 August 2021
While the United States can still boast a bronze medal, Megan Rapinoe hasn’t held back in assessing the impact of the result, particularly against opponents they have grown accustomed to beating over the years.
“It’s bitter to swallow. We never want to lose to Canada. I don’t think I’ve ever done that, so it’s bitter, ”Rapinoe said.
“Still a lot to compete for. It’s not the color we wanted, but there’s still a medal up for grabs and it’s a huge thing. We want to win that game, but it sucks. It sucks. “
Asked why the US struggled so hard to find form during the tournament, Rapinoe replied: “I feel like we haven’t had a bit of our joy.
“It just didn’t flow for us, it wasn’t easy. It is not for lack of effort, or for someone who does not give everything he has. It just didn’t click for us.
“I don’t know if it was rosters rotation, I know it’s a tough tournament when trying to save people, but our bench is deep as hell. I don’t think we can put it on that, and I just can’t put my finger on it.
“We just didn’t have that juice that we normally have.”
The United States aimed to take Olympic gold for the fifth time after losing a medal of any color in Rio 2016, where they lost to Sweden on penalties in the quarterfinals.
The Swedes lost to Germany in the final five years ago, but this year they could do even better: they will face Australia in the second semi-final.
