In the 13th minute, New Zealand’s women’s team took a corner kick from the right side. The Canadian defenders collectively missed Barry, who took a shot from near the penalty spot after receiving the ball and turning around. The ball hit the underside of the crossbar and went into the net, giving New Zealand a 1-0 lead.
In stoppage time of the first half, Canada sent a cross from the right flank. A backheel pass was made at the front post, and Lacasse pushed the ball into the net from close range, leveling the score for Canada at 1-1.
On July 25, in the first round of the Olympic women’s football group stage, defending champions Canada faced off against New Zealand.
The Canadian women’s team is currently ranked eighth in the world and are the defending champions of the event. New Zealand’s women’s team is currently ranked 28th. In their last ten meetings with Canada, they have two draws and nine losses without a single victory.
In the 10th minute, Lawrence broke through on the right flank and forced a cross. The ball struck a New Zealand defender and headed towards the goal, but Litt managed to concentrate and secure the ball directly.
In the 16th minute, Canada sent a cross from the left flank. Prince received the ball, turned around, and took a low shot from close range, which was blocked by a New Zealand defender’s body.
In the 26th minute, goalkeeper Litt of New Zealand, facing pressure from Leon, kicked the ball long, only to have it strike her opponent. Fortunately, the ball did not rebound towards the goal.
In the 35th minute, Leon received the ball on the right flank and broke into the penalty area. After evading the defense, she took a low shot from a tight angle, which was saved by the New Zealand goalkeeper as she dived to the ground.
In the 42nd minute, Canada sent a long ball into the penalty area. Lacasse received the ball and took a low shot from a tight angle, but it lacked power and did not pose a threat.
In the 44th minute, a New Zealand defender nearly made a mistake when clearing the ball. Prince took a shot from close range but fired it over the bar.
At halftime, Canada drew 1-1 with New Zealand.
Canada Women’s Team Starting Lineup: 1-Sheridan; 3-Buchanan; 14-Gilles; 12-J. Ross; 10-Lawrence; 17-Fleming; 5-Quinn; 2-Ker; 15-Prince; 11-Leon; 6-Lacasse; Substitutes: 18-DiAngelo; 20-Zadorsky; 7-Grosso; 13-Aujou; 16-Beckie; 9-Hartma; 4-Viens;
New Zealand Women’s Team Starting Lineup: 1-Litt; 14-Bowen; 13-Stout; 4-Porter; 3-Barry; 6-Sternmeier; 18-Jill; 2-Taylor; 11-Kitchen; 10-Riley; 17-Craig; Substitutes: 12-Eisen; 5-Moore; 15-Green; 7-Foster; 8-Fraser; 9-Reay; 16-Hend;