The Canadian women’s soccer team has earned its first Olympic gold medal after defeating Sweden in the gold-medal match on Friday.
Earning their way to the final via a semifinal stunner against rival Team USA, Canada had to fight to earn the gold. Down 1-0 early, the Canadians tied things up in the second half after Christine Sinclair forced a penalty, which was buried surgically by teammate Jessie Fleming.
The sides would need penalty kicks to decide a winner, with the stalemate continuing through extra time.
After a tumultuous, thrilling sequence of spot kicks, Canada emerged with the victory.
This is Canada’s third medal in the Olympic women’s soccer competition, after taking home bronze in 2012 and 2016.
More to come.
