Friday 23 July 2021, 15:00

Two teams advance amid goals galore

  • Two nations seal spots in quarter-finals

  • Goals galore in second round of matches

  • FIFA.com recaps the day's action

The second round of games at the Women's Olympic Football Tournament lived up to the first with another festival of goals and spectacular moments. Some of the game's most gifted finishers cut loose once again, firing in braces, hat-tricks and even one four-goal salvo as they terrorised defences – and left a number of Olympic records in tatters. There were important wins too for Sweden and Great Britain, with both now guaranteed a place in the quarter-finals and able to contest their final group matches free of pressure. Canada are almost sure to join them too, having all but secured a berth as one of the best third-placed teams at the very least. FIFA.com looks back at the highlights of the day's games.

The results

Groupe E

Great Britain secured their progress to the last eight by seeing off Japan to post their second victory in two matches. As for Canada, their defeat of Chile has left them with one foot in the knockout phase, their chances of finishing as one of the best third-placed teams at the very least now highly favourable. Looking ahead, home side Japan will have to give everything in their final game against Chile, who still have hopes of going through. 

Groupe F

There were fireworks to match yesterday's magnificent opening ceremony as a total of 14 goals hit the net in Group F's two games. Superb entertainment, but just one point apiece for all four teams as both contests finished honours even. The Netherlands and Brazil now look best placed to advance after amassing four points each in their two outings thus far.

Groupe G

Sweden became the first team to stamp their ticket to the quarter-finals courtesy of another impressive triumph, this time against Australia. USA swept to victory as well, mustering the defiant response many expected after their loss to the Blagult last time out. New Zealand paid the price and are now teetering on the edge of elimination.

Memorable moments

Another treble for Banda 

Not content with becoming the first African player to score a hat-trick at the Women's Olympic Football Tournament when she ran riot against the Netherlands, Barbra Banda repeated that historic feat to thwart China PR. The Zambia striker can now pride herself on being the only player to have banged in two trebles in the women's competition.

After just two games, she has also equalled Christine Sinclair's record for goals at a single edition, the Canada forward having struck six times at London 2012. All in all, Banda's achievement was almost enough to overshadow Wang Shuang's remarkable four goals at the other end.

Crossbar curse

"Oh, I hate you." That was the curt message on Chile's Twitter account after La Roja Femenina lost to Canada, their second consecutive reverse following defeat by Great Britain in their opener. Karen Araya managed to halve the deficit with her nation's first ever Olympic goal, but Chile narrowly missed out on an equaliser when Maria Jose Urrutia's attempt was kept out by that pesky crossbar.

Beckie's Olympic flame

Janine Beckie's international career reached a new level at Rio 2016, where the Canada forward notched three goals and finished third in the competition goal charts. The 26-year-old pounced again on Saturday, registering twice against Chile to prove her penchant for Olympic action. "I love to step up in big games," she explained to FIFA.com afterwards. "This type of tournament is why we play football and the fact that I've done my job for my team is exciting."  

Great Britain's White knight

Following her double against Chile, Ellen White headed in the winner against Japan – meaning she has struck 100 per cent of Great Britain's goals in Tokyo, with a ratio of three goals from just five shots. The Manchester City forward has also rattled in 13 strikes from her last 14 international outings.

The quote

“It was a very even game. Either side could have come out as winners. We need to cut out some mistakes, but taking everything into consideration, I think it was a good performance. I’m here to do everything to help the team. Getting results is what matters. Records happen naturally.” Brazil superstar Marta after the thrilling 3-3 draw against Netherlands

The fixtures

USA - Australia Kashima Stadium, 17h 

New Zealand - Sweden Miyagi Stadium, 17h 

Canada - Great Britain Kashima Stadium, 20h00 

Chile - Japan Miyagi Stadium, 20h00

Netherlands - China PR Yokohama Stadium, 20h30

Brazil - Zambia Saitama Stadium, 20h30