According to Beiqing Sports, “The women’s football competition at the Paris Olympics is full of dramatic flair.” This was the remark published on the official FIFA website in the early hours of July 29.
In the second round of the women’s football group stage matches at the Paris Olympics, a series of spectacular goal fests unfolded. Following Japan’s incredible comeback against Brazil, scoring two goals in stoppage time, Australia and Zambia delivered an enthralling goal fest in Group B. Australia emerged victorious with a 6-5 win. Despite having six points deducted due to a “peeping scandal,” Canada defeated host nation France 2-1, keeping their hopes of advancing alive despite their points tally being reset to zero after two wins.
From FIFA’s perspective, the second round of the women’s football group stage matches at the Paris Olympics was undoubtedly filled with “dreamlike” qualities. Some foreign media outlets also commented that, compared to men’s football, the participating teams in this Olympic tournament have abandoned pragmatism, playing with more passion and openness. All six matches in this round produced goals. Apart from Spain’s narrow 1-0 victory over Nigeria, each of the other matches saw at least two goals scored.
The match between Australia and Zambia saw a combined total of 11 goals. Some foreign media outlets exclaimed that “the scoreline was like both teams had gone through a penalty shootout.” Bande scored for Zambia just one minute into the game, setting the tone for the goal fest. Trailing 2-5, Australia scored four unanswered goals in the second half to complete an astonishing 6-5 comeback victory.