Canada hold Sweden, go up

Canada advanced to the quarterfinals of the women’s Olympic football tournament on Tuesday after rallying from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Sweden. Sweden went up 2-0 early at St. James’ Park, with goals from midfielder Marie Hammarstrom in the 14th minute and forward Sofia Jakobsson in the 16th. But Canada forward Melissa Tancredi pulled one back just before halftime, after Sweden lost possession in midfield, and then scored the equalizer in the 84th. “The girls stepped up today and showed their movement forward,” Canada coach John Herdman said. “They’re ready for the quarterfinals.” Sweden coach Thomas Dennerby was less impressed with his team’s capitulation after scoring two goals in two minutes. “In the second half, we left our fighting spirit in the dressing room and looked a bit anxious,” Dennerby said. “If you’re up 2-0, you can’t be satisfied with a draw.” Sweden finished first in Group F with five points, ahead of Japan on goal difference, and had already qualified for the next round. Canada finished third with four points. Japan held World champion Japan were held to a 0-0 draw by South Africa on Tuesday in Olympic women’s soccer, failing to score for the second match in a row. Japan will face Britain or Brazil in the quarterfinals. Having secured a quarterfinal spot, Japan’s coach, Norio Sasaki, began the match with just four regular starters. Japan’s best chance in the first half came 18 minutes in, but captain Kouze Ando sent a header wide. The team showed more bite after veteran attacking midfielder Nahomi Kawasumi was brought in the second half, but she failed to find the net. From gulftoday