The Canadian women’s soccer team, which was penalized with a six-point deduction for flying a drone over an opponent’s training ground during its group stage at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, beat host France to keep its hopes of reaching the quarterfinals alive.

Canada came from behind to beat France 2-1 in the second match of Group A at the Paris Olympics women’s soccer tournament at the Stade Joffre-Guichard in Saint-Etienne, France, on Monday (Sept. 29).

Canada, which defeated New Zealand 2-1 in the first leg when its head coach handed over the reins, defeated the hosts in the second leg, which was played under an acting head coach due to her suspension.

Despite the back-to-back wins, Canada hasn’t booked a spot in the quarterfinals, leaving it as a ‘possibility’.

That’s because the team was punished by FIFA with a six-point deduction after being found to have “cheated” by spying on opponents with a drone.

The six points gained from two straight wins were wasted, and Canada finished third in Group A with zero points.

If Canada defeats Colombia in their final group game, they could still advance to the quarterfinals based on goal difference and goal differential.

Earlier, Canada’s “drone spying” came to light when local police, responding to a call from the New Zealand national team, arrested a Canadian power analyst operating a drone on Aug. 22 ahead of Canada’s first group game against New Zealand.

The Canadian Soccer Association suspended head coach Jasmine Mander and power analyst Joseph Lombardi from the team and suspended head coach Beverly Priestman.

The Canadian soccer organization also admitted that the men’s national team, led by Jesse Marsh, used drones at the 2024 Copa America (South American soccer championship).

FIFA deducted six group stage points from the Canadian women’s team at the Olympics and fined the Canadian Football Association 200,000 Swiss francs (about $310 million).

It also decided to review the process that led to the Canadian women’s soccer team’s gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Canada fell behind to France’s first goal in the 42nd minute of the first half.

France’s Mariantoinette Catotteau cut in from the left penalty area, beat her defender, and fired a low right-footed shot into the corner of the near post.

Canada equalized 13 minutes into the second half through Jessie Fleming.

He pounced on a second ball after a teammate’s shot was saved by the goalkeeper and finished easily.

Just before the end of regulation, Canada scored a dramatic comeback goal.

In the 11th minute of 13 minutes of second-half stoppage time, Vanessa Gill rattled the net with a left-footed shot from the left penalty area to tie the game.

Canada will play its final group game against Colombia at 4 a.m. on June 1. 안전놀이터