US, Brazil in quarters after drawn games

RIO DE JANEIRO • The United States and Brazil advanced to the quarter-finals of the Olympic women's football tournament as group winners, despite being held to disappointing draws in their final pool matches on Tuesday.

Canada are the only team with a 100 per cent winning record after a 2-1 upset win over Germany to secure the top spot in Group F.

Hosts Brazil rested seven starters, including their influential captain Marta, but despite dominating possession were held to a goal-less draw by South Africa in Manaus.

The point for Brazil was enough to ensure top spot in Group E and set up a last-eight clash on Friday with Australia.

Germany went through in second place in Group F and will play China in the last eight after the latter drew 0-0 with Sweden in Group E.

The United States will face the Swedes, who finished third in Group E, on Friday. The defending champions will hope for a better showing from goalkeeper Hope Solo, who fumbled twice in the 2-2 draw.

Solo let the ball squirm through her legs for Colombia's opener after 26 minutes and then completely missed a cross ball for the second in the final minute.

"I'm choosing to have short-term memory and put this behind us," Solo said after the final whistle.

"But we're ready (for the knockout stages), I guarantee it."

The US topped Group G ahead of France, who set up a quarter-final with Canada in Sao Paulo after beating New Zealand 3-0 on Tuesday.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, THE GUARDIAN

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on August 11, 2016, with the headline US, Brazil in quarters after drawn games. Subscribe