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