Paris 2024 Olympics: Women's quarter-finals results and key players
- Eight teams contested the quarter-finals of the women's football tournament at the 2024 Olympics
- Spain, USA, France, Japan and Canada were among the teams competing
- Three of the four games went to extra-time and two went to penalties
A dramatic round of quarter-finals concluded on Saturday in the women's football tournament at the 2024 Olympics in France.
Longstanding rivals the USA and Japan kicked things off in the early afternoon, followed by World Cup winners Spain and Colombia. Reigning gold medalists Canada faced Germany, which was followed by hosts France taking on Brazil in Nantes.
Three of the four games progressed to extra-time, while two went all the way to penalties on a dramatic day of football. Only one concluded inside normal time in the final match as hosts France were knocked out by Brazil.
Here, 90min takes a look at the quarter-final results and selects our player of each match...
USA 1-0 Japan (AET)
It was a cagey, quiet game between the USA and Japan as both teams registered just a single shot on target by the hour mark. After a goalless 90 minutes, the match was taken to extra-time, where the USA finally stepped up their performance levels.
At the end of the first half of extra-time, a clipped ball from Crystal Dunn found the run of Trinity Rodman. The US forward's quick feet created an opening and she fired an effort into the far corner to put her side in the driving seat.
Despite a late push from Japan in the closing stages, the US held on to clinch the result and progress to the semi-finals.
Player of the match: Trinity Rodman (USA) - 7/10 - Just as she did in the final group game, Rodman stepped up once again. It was a tough afternoon for the USA's forward line as they struggled to break Japan down, but the chance was taken when it mattered most.
Spain 2-2 Colombia (4-2 on penalties)
Spain just about emerged on top in a rather lacklustre display from the world champions, needing penalties to eventually eliminate Colombia.
Chelsea's Mayra Ramirez opened the scoring inside the opening 15 minutes to put Spain on the back foot before Leicy Santos stepped up with Colombia's second goal shortly after half time.
It appeared to be a long way back for Spain, but a series of injuries to the likes of Ramirez and Linda Caicedo made it a tough end to the game for the South Americans.
Substitute Jenni Hermoso was the much-needed spark for Spain as her goal with ten minutes to play ignited the comeback. Irene Paredes, who was at fault for one of the earlier goals, made amends with a last-gasp equaliser at the death to take it to extra-time.
Spain's quality then showed during a penalty shootout as they claimed the win by four converted spot-kicks to Colombia's two. Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmati stepped up to score the winning penalty for Spain to keep their Olympic dream alive.
Player of the match: Jorelyn Carabali (Colombia) - 8/10 - Two goals and a penalty shootout against the world champions should not be overlooked. The goalscorers aside, it was central defender Carabali who stood out for Colombia as her tenacity, resilience and desire allowed them to hold on for as long as they did. It's not everyday Spain have a bad day at the office in front of goal and it was largely down to the work the Brighton defender put in.
Canada 0-0 Germany (2-4 on penalties)
It was a poor evening in front of goal for both Germany and Canada in Marseille. Canada had the better chances with five shots on target to Germany's one across the 90 minutes and extra time.
It was the second quarter-final to go all the way to penalties and Ann-Katrin Berger's heroics put Germany through to the semi-finals. Ashley Lawrence saw her penalty saved, but Sydney Lohmann then fired her effort high and wide moments later to keep things level.
Adriana Leon, who is often so reliable for Canada, also had her penalty saved and it was Berger who then went on to score the winning spot-kick for Germany.
Player of the match: Ann-Katrin Berger (Germany) - 8/10 - She kept Germany in the game throughout the 90 minutes and extra-time with some solid saves, but it was in the shootout where the 33-year-old really stepped up. Not only did she save two of Canada's penalties, but she scored her own to send Germany through.
France 0-1 Brazil
The final quarter-final saw hosts France take on Brazil, who were without the experienced Marta after she was sent off for a high foot in their final group game. It was almost the dream start for France as they won a penalty inside the opening 20 minutes, but Sakina Karchaoui couldn't convert.
France continued to dominate proceedings late into the game, but a rare lapse in concentration at the back gifted Brazil an opening. With their first attempt on target in 82 minutes, Gabi Portilho latched onto a loose ball and fired Brazil in front.
Despite 16 minutes of additional time at the end of the 90, France were unable to muster up an equaliser to take the game to extra-time. Herve Renard's side ultimately ran out of ideas as they resorted to long-range efforts, but Brazil held on valiantly.
Player of the match: Gabi Portilho (Brazil) - 7/10 - After a goalless 80 minutes, there was little to celebrate. However, it was a moment of quality from Portilho to capitalise on a rare error to clinch the victory.
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