Great Britain vs Canada, Women's Quarterfinal
COVENTRY, England (AP) ? Canada scored twice in the first half to beat Britain 2-0 Friday and set up a clash with the United States in the semifinals of the women's Olympic football tournament.
The British had not conceded a goal in three group stage games coming into the quarterfinals, but were undone by defensive mistakes at the City of Coventry Stadium.
Jonelle Filigno scored Canada's opener after 16 minutes when she curled a half volley into the top corner after being left unmarked at a corner.
Captain Christine Sinclair doubled the Canadian lead in the 27th with a well struck free kick.
Hopes had been high for the British after they beat Brazil in their final group stage game on Wednesday and the match drew a near capacity 29,000 crowd.
Canada will play the United States on Monday at Old Trafford, after the Americans beat New Zealand 2-0 earlier Friday.
The Canadians were not overawed by the occasion and began the game strongly. Filigno had their first shot on goal from outside the box in the sixth minute, a stinging long range effort which was comfortably stopped by Britain goalkeeper Karen Bardsley.
Canada deserved to go ahead after just over quarter of an hour. Sophie Schmidt sent a corner to the edge of the box and Filigno got in front of Sophie Bradley to curl a half volley in to the top corner, giving Bardsley no chance.
The goal quieted the crowd which had come expecting to see a victory for the hosts.
Britain pressed forward looking for the equalizer. First Karen Carney fed Jill Scott whose looping effort forced a diving save from Erin Mcleod in the Canadian goal. Then Carney went close with a header.
However, it was the Canadians who scored, when Desiree Scott was fouled on the edge of the box and Sinclair took full advantage. The Canada captain curved an unstoppable free kick over the British wall and into the bottom corner to give her team a surprising 2-0 lead.
Britain had no choice but to flood forward. Right back Alex Scott was dangerous coming forward, but her teammates were unable to get on the end of her crosses into the box.
With 27 minutes left to play, Britain coach Hope Powell brought Fara Williams on for Ellen White, hoping to inject some verve into her team's play.
But Britain still could not find the net. Midfielder Eniola Aluko appeared to be fouled in the box on 80 minutes, but referee Sachiko Yamagisho waved away the Britiah penalty appeals.
? 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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