2012 London Summer Olympics

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London, United Kingdom

Canada escaped from the fangs of defeat and eventual elimination thanks to the courageous effort by striker Melissa Tancredi, who struck two goals to force a come-from-behind 2-2 draw with Sweden in their crucial Group F encounter at St. James' Park.

Canada advanced to the quarterfinal round of the women's soccer tournament at the London Olympics after forcing a draw with Sweden on the final day of group stages.

The Canadians, who lost to Japan 2-1 and defeated South Africa 3-0, entered their final Group F match with the hope of forcing at least a draw to progress into the next round.

However, Sweden asserted their superiority in the early going as Marie Hammarström netted the first goal in the 14th minute mark and Sofia Jakobsson followed it up two minutes later to virtually crush Canada's medal bid in the London Games.

But the Canadians fought through the adversity, employing more aggressive offensive attacks from both flanks. Finally in the 43rd minute, Rhian Wilkinson launched a cross to Tancredi, who fired the ball into the net and gave Canada some fighting chance at the break.

Tancredi was at again in the second half but Swedish goal keeper Hedvig Lindahl and defender Lina Nilsson were able to foil such effort.

In the end, Tancredi's perseverance paid off as he headed in the equalizer in the 84th minute that kept Canada in contention.

With the draw, Canada is awarded a quarterfinal duel with host Great Britain on Friday at City of Coventry Stadium.

 

 

Tancredi Scores Twice as Canada Moves on With Draw Against Sweden