Football Ferns lose opening match of Olympics despite leading early

July 26, 2024
Canada's Evelyne Viens celebrates scoring the winner against the Football Ferns at the Olympics.

The Football Ferns have lost their opening match of the Olympics going down to defending champions Canada 2-1 in Saint-Étienne.

The Kiwis took the lead in the 13th minute from a corner as Wellington Phoenix defender Mackenzie Barry controlled the ball well and hit a stunning strike which went in off the crossbar.

However, Canada hit back with a goal in injury time at the end of the first half as a ball into the box caused problems for the Ferns' defence which led Cloé Lacasse to equalising with a strong finish into the top right corner.

The Ferns made a trio of changes before Evelyne Viens put Canada in front in the 79th minute, as a lovely threaded pass allowed her to get in behind the defence and tuck it past Anna Leat into the bottom left corner.

The game was tainted in the lead up by Canada allegedly spying on the Kiwis' training sessions with a drone.

The Ferns will have to pick themselves up quickly as they face Colombia early on Monday.

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