Hosts France top group to set up Brazil quarter-final

Hosts France will face Brazil in the quarter-finals of the women’s football at the Olympics after beating New Zealand in their final group game.

Les Bleus needed a win to guarantee their place in the last eight after a shock 2-1 defeat to Canada in their second game.

But there were no such issues against the New Zealanders, with Marie-Antoinette Katoto on the scoresheet twice.

The Paris Saint-Germain star opened the scoring in the 22nd minute before katie Taylor levelled the game for New Zealand.

But early in the second half, Katoto grabbed her second of the game and fourth of the tournament for a goal which proved the winner for her side.

Marta sees red in Brazil loss

Brazil will be without Martha for their clash with France after the legendary star was sent off in a 2-0 defeat to Spain.

The 38-year-old, who will retire from international football later this year, was dismissed after narrowly missing Olga Carmona’s head with a high-footed challenge in the group-stage match.

Martha sent off in what will be her last major tournament for Brazil.

Oh, the tears 😭 #PARIS2024 pic.twitter.com/syc7PRgx6y

— MikeThePundit (@Mike_ThePundit) July 31, 2024

The Selecao went on to suffer a 2-0 defeat, with Athenea del Castillo opening in the 68th minute before Alexia Putellas’ stunner sealed the victory deep into stoppage time.

Two-time silver medallist Marta will miss Brazil’s quarter-final game, which will be against hosts France after finishing as one of the two best third-placed teams.

Japan beat Brazil to second spot with a 3-1 victory over Nigeria and will face United States in the quarter-finals.

Hayes’ USA top group

United States recorded their third straight win of the Olympics by comfortably beating Australia 2-1.

Trinity Rodman and Korbin Albert were on target for Emma Hayes’ side with Alanna Kennedy grabbing a consolation in stoppage time.

Sights set on Paris. 👩‍🎨 pic.twitter.com/IRHpEk6sNF

— U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team (@USWNT) July 31, 2024

They will head into the quarter-finals as Group B winners, with the Matildas finishing third and knocked out due to Brazil’s superior goal difference.

Pipping them to second spot in Group B was Germany, who beat Zambia 4-1 on Wednesday night.

Lea Schuller scored two, either side of a Klara Buhl effort before Elisa Senss made it four in the closing stages.

All ties taking place on Saturday, August 3

United States vs Japan

Spain vs Colombia

Canada vs Germany

France vs Germany