Canada reach quarters in women's Olympic football

NEWCASTLE, England — Canada advanced to the quarterfinals of the women's Olympic football tournament 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.

For the first goal, Hammarstrom met a cross in the middle of the penalty area despite being surrounded by defenders to sidefoot the ball past goalkeeper Erin McLeod. Hammarstrom then created the second after leading a counterattack down the left flank and sending in a cross. McLeod came off her line to deal with it, but missed the ball and forward Sofia Jakobsson was there to slot it in.

Tancredi scored her first after defender Rhian Wilkinson made a run down the right, played a one-two with captain Christine Sinclair and sent in a cross to the far post. Tancredi volleyed it past goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl. Her second came from close range after a cross from Sinclair.