Olympic dream ended
- Friday,
Team GB 0-2 Canada
London 2012 Olympics
Women's Football Quarter Final
7.30pm, Friday 3 August 2012
City Of Coventry Stadium
Live on BBC3
Team GB's hopes of winning an Olympic medal ended in devastating fashion as Hope Powell's side lost 2-0 to Canada in Coventry.
Hopes were high after a perfect group stage campaign, but the hosts were unable to hit the heights as they went out in the quarter-finals.
Canada produced a determined performance as they defended stoutly after first-half goals from Jonelle Filigno and Christine Sinclair proved to be decisive.
Powell's side mounted a brave second-half fightback but were unable to make the breakthrough – although there were strong claims for a penalty after a foul on Eniola Aluko with ten minutes remaining – as their tournament came to an early end.
Team GB had pulled off a superb victory against Brazil at Wembley in midweek, but they struggled to maintain that form in a tough first-half in Coventry.
The atmosphere before the game was electric, but Canada refused to be intimidated by the vocal home crowd.
Canada had only come third in their group on the first round, but they were superb in an opening period that was far from ideal for Team GB.
The north Americans were dangerous from the start, and hit the front after a well-worked corner routine, Jonelle Filigno's first-time shot flying in at the near post as the hosts conceded for the first time in the tournament.
Yet worse was to follow as Canada pushed home their advantage. And it was Christine Sinclair, who Alex Scott had said was the principal danger for Team GB, who grabbed the second.
It was another fantastic finish, as Sinclair curled a fine free-kick around the wall and into the bottom corner to leave Team GB stunned.
They were unable to muster a response before half-time, and despite all their best efforts it was more of the same in the second period. Canada were content to sit deep and attack on the break, with Team GB desperate for a moment of magic to break through a resolute defence.
Yet they were unable to do so and it was a disappointing exit for Hope Powell's side after such an impressive opening to the competition.
