Women’s Football Tokyo 2020: Team GB secure top spot with late draw against Canada

By Kathrin Dick

Team GB drew 1-1 with Canada to top Group E’s table at the Kashima Soccer stadium.

The first half was even with each side poking at each other’s defence but unable to break it down. Team GB had a notable chance with Demi Stokes crossing the ball over Canada’s defence but both Nikita Parris and Caroline Weir could not sort out their feet.

Canada made the breakthrough early in the second half which had already started shakily after Ellie Roebuck’s pass was cut out by Adrianna Leon. Millie Bright was there to block the shot though.

Just before the hour, Ashley Lawrence drove forward with Leon and Jordyn Huitema arriving in the box. Lawrence played a low pass across the area that found Leon in space. The GB defence failed to clear and Leon hit produced a clinical first-time finish.

Fran Kirby returned to action after missing out on the earlier games with a knock. Her arrival onto the field with just over 10 minutes remaining sparked a resurgence from Hege Riise’s side, with three quick shots on target.

Their fourth found the net with Lucy Bronze laying off to Weir, whose shot took a fortunate deflection off Nichelle Prince’s head and found the back of the net with 5 minutes to play.

Team GB finished top of the group with seven points and will face Australia on Friday in the quarterfinals. Whilst Bev Priestman’s side secured second place with a point and will also progress to the next round.

Follow us on Twitter @ProstInt