Sports Mole brings you live text coverage from women's quarter-final day in the Olympic football competition.
Good morning and welcome to Sports Mole's live commentary of women's quarter-finals day in the Olympic football competition.
We are approaching the business end of the tournament, and Hope Powell's Team GB side have been impressive in reaching the last eight.
The hosts face Canada in today's 7.30pm kickoff, while fellow heavyweights Brazil and the United States are both in action before then.
The defending champions meet New Zealand at 2.30pm while the Samba nation have world champions Japan to overcome if they are to make the last four.
However, we start at Hampden Park, where Group F winners Sweden face potential dark horses France in the 12.00pm curtain raiser.
9.50pmAnd breathe! That's it from me for today. Be sure to join Sports Mole tomorrow for live coverage of the men's competition, where Stuart Pearce's hosts will play South Korea for a chance at a medal. Thanks for joining us today! Over and out... 9.45pmWell, that was a busy day! It ultimately ended in disappointment for Team GB, but we witnessed some entertaining football, with Japan and the United States displaying their gold medal credentials. The world champions will face France in the last four, while America meet fierce sporting rivals Canada. 9.40pmFrance beat Sweden 2-1 in a tight encounter at Hampden Park, before the United States continued their title defence with a comfortable victory over New Zealand. Japan triumphed in a heavyweight encounter with Brazil, but it was heartbreak for Team GB as they lost 2-0 to an impressive Canada side. 9.34pmSo here is a round-up of today's football action... 9.30pmFULL-TIME: I know this isn't technically an England team, but the quarter-final curse has struck again! So impressive, convincing even, in the group stages and yet not able to progress beyond the last eight. In terms of tonight's match, GB weren't poor by any means, but Canada's quick start put them on the back foot, and they weren't able to create enough going forward to ever endanger Canada's lead. The absence of Kelly Smith was a big loss, with replacement Ellen White unable to fill her sizable boots. It was a deserved win for the Canadians, who set up an all North America semi against fierce rivals United States. The hopes of the UK turn now to Stuart Pearce's men's side, who are in action tomorrow. 9.19pmFULL-TIME: Great Britain 0-2 Canada 9.18pmKaren Carney gets too much on her near-post header from Rachel Yankee's cross. And so the clock winds down... 9.16pmOf which there will be three minutes... 9.15pmJill Scott and Casey Stoney both have efforts in a goalmouth scramble that ends with Canada being awarded a free kick. Injury time is imminent... 9.13pmFarah Williams has a go with her left foot from 25 yards, but it was never troubling McLeod. 9.12pmJust five minutes left for Team GB to mount a late comeback. Something needs to happen fast, but Canada are looking solid at the back, and assured in possession. 9.10pmChance for Canada! Sinclair could, and maybe should, have put this result beyond doubt. After taking on Stoney, she can only shoot straight at Karen Bardsley. That was a tired effort. 9.08pmGB make a double change with Rachel Yankee and Rachel Williams on in place of Kim Little and Sophie Bradley. No Kelly Smith today then, and you have to think that decision has to be injury-related. 9.06pmPenalty shout for GB! Another penalty appeal for the hosts, and this one has some weight behind it. In a congested goalmouth, Aluko, with her back to goal, is brought down by Wilkinson. The Canadian defender does not get any of the ball, but the referee is unmoved. Powell and co will be furious when they see the replay... 9.04pmA change for Canada as Parker replaces Schmidt. GB are readying a substitution too... 9.00pmGB are starting to load bodies forward, with both Jill Scott and Kim Little taking up more advanced positions. To no avail as yet, however. 8.55pmFarah Williams injects some spark into the GB attack as she dribbles past Nault down the right before crossing. The delivery is behind Jill Scott however and the GB skipper can only get minimal contact on her header, which loops up to provide McLeod with an easy save. 8.53pmCarney has the chance to put the ball into the box, but her free kick doesn't beat the first player. 8.49pmHere comes the change for Team GB, but it isn't Smith, or Yankee who are introduced to the action. Instead, Fara Williams replaces Ellen White in the hosts' attack and is involved straight away - winning a free kick from Diana Matheson. 8.46pmSteph Houghton, a goalscorer in two of GB's group matches, tries her luck from range but slices her shot well wide. 8.44pmIt just doesn't seem to be happening for the hosts. Carney turns inside on the left and tries to play in Ellen White, but the Canadian defence are on hand to intercept and clear the danger. 8.42pmStill no sign of Smith, or any Team GB substitution. Experienced winger Rachel Yankee would be another viable option for Hope Powell. 8.40pmA chance at the Canadian end as Melissa Tancredi shoots straight at Bardsley. 8.35pmCross comes in from Aluko, White gets a flick on which is deflected behind for a corner. 8.32pm.We are back underway in the West Midlands. No sign of Smith as yet... 8.30pmThe second period at the City of Coventry Stadium will resume shortly... 8.28pmHALF-TIME: A big task at hand now for Hope Powell's host. Unorganised at the back and a lack of creativity going forward, this performance has been far from what we have come to expect in this tournament from Team GB. Meanwhile, the Canadians have proved why they are an international force, scoring two great goals to put them in a fantastic position to qualify. Team GB need inspiration from this home crowd, and perhaps Kelly Smith, if they are to mount a second-half comeback. 8.16pmHALF-TIME: Great Britain 0-2 Canada 8.14pmWe are entering stoppage time at the City of Coventry Stadium, of which there will be just one minute. 8.11pmFor the second time in the half, White tests McLeod again, but there is a real lack of potency in the Team GB attack. 8.04pmIn the absence of Smith, Eniola Aluko is providing Team GB with some creative spark. Her pace is causing problems for the Canadian defence, but the hosts aren't getting the ball to her often enough. 8.02pmHalf-an-hour played, and Hope Powell's side have a real uphill task here. Kelly Smith, get warming up girl. 7.59pmAnd Rebecca Adlington has just been denied gold by a fantastic swim from American Kaatie Ledecky in the 800m freestyle. The Mansfield swimmer medals with a bronze, but this has been a disastrous five ten minutes for Team GB as a whole. 7.56pmGOAL! Great Britain 0-2 Canada What was I saying? Canada have doubled their advantage through a Christine Sinclair free kick. The experienced forward sends her effort just over the wall, and Bardsley cannot move across her goal quick enough to push the ball away. 7.53pmDouble chance for GB! The hosts are starting to mount a little pressure on the Canadians, as White firstly forces McLeod into smart save. Karen Carney then comes within inches of levelling the scores with an angled header from Alex Scott's inviting cross. Promising signs. 7.49pmPenalty shout for GB! Kim Little goes down under a clumsy challenge from Carmelina Moscato, but nothing given by the referee. Little is adamant she should have had a spot kick there. 7.46pmA response of sorts from the hosts as Jill Scott shoots from range, but the effort isn't strong enough to sternly test Canada stopper Erin McLeod. 7.43pmGOAL! Great Britain 0-1 Canada Team GB fall behind, and it is a fantastic goal from Filigno, who meets a Sophie Schmidt corner on the half volley first time, and the ball rockets past a hapless Bardsley in the Team GB net. Reminds me of the old Anderton/Sheringham corner combination. No? Nobody else? Just this nostalgic Spurs fan? Oh well, a brilliant goal anyway... 7.41pmSlow start from the hosts, who have yet to pose an attacking threat. You wonder if they will miss Smith's creativity in the final third. 7.38pmFirst effort on target as Jonelle Filigno warms Karen Bardsley's hands with a long-range effort. 7.36pmEllen White is Smith's replacement in the starting XI, and will partner Eniola Aluko up-front. 7.34pmTeam GB's big gun Kelly Smith has been left out, but Canada's equivalent Christine Sinclair does start... 7.30pmPlay is underway in the West Midlands... 7.28pmKickoff is imminent, and victory here would cap another fantastic day for Team GB's Olympic team. 7.25pmThe City of Coventry Stadium is packed to the rafters, and stands for the arrival of the players. 7.10pmThe hosts go into the match favourites, but we all know that doesn't guarantee anything. I'll be back in 15 minutes to bring you live text coverage from the West Midlands, where Team GB will be hoping to complete the semi-final lineup. 7.05pmCanada meanwhile progressed as one of the best third-place sides after finishing third in a tough Group F, that also included Japan and Sweden. 7.03pmTeam GB have been impressive en route to this stage, winning all three of their group games, including a 1-0 win over two-time silver medalists Brazil. Their campaign so far has suggested they are well in contention for a medal at their home games. 7.00pmAs we broke earlier, Powell has dropped star name Kelly Smith for the match at the City of Coventry Stadium. Read the full team news here. 6.57pmBut the football does not end there, oh no! We have nearly reached the day's showpiece event, with Hope Powell's Team GB half-an-hour away from their quarter-final clash with Canada. 6.55pmFULL-TIME: Japan have arrived! After a below-par, low-key group stage, the world champions have stamped their mark on this tournament. Overlooked by some, including myself, in preference of the US, Team GB and Brazil, they showed that they are serious contenders for the gold medal prize. They withstood a thunderous Brazil start, before pinching the lead courtesy of a well-taken Yuki Ogimi opener. When the Samba nation rallied again in the second period, Shinobu Ohno killed the Brazil momentum with an equally impressive and perfectly-timed second. Brazil are out, while Japan move onto the last-four, where they will face France at Wembley. 6.48pmFULL-TIME: Brazil 0-2 Japan 6.44pmGoalscorer Ogimi bows out for Japan to be replaced by Megumi Takase. Approaching the end of 90 minutes, with Brazil not threatening a Manchester City-like comeback. 6.42pmBREAKING! Kelly Smith is dropped by Hope Powell for Team GB's semi-final with Canada tonight. More team news when we get it... 6.41pmJust five minutes remaining, and Brazil manager Jorge Barcellos has put an extra body in attack. Grazielle has come on as a substitute in place of Renata Costa. 6.39pmThe South Americans are looking to five-time Player of the Year Marta to inspire them to a comeback, but she, along with many of her teammates, look deflated by Japan's second goal. 6.37pmLess than ten minutes for Brazil to save their Olympic campaign. They've been silver medalists in the last two Games, but are fast running out of time if they are to continue their run of consecutive medals. 6.35pmAttacking change for Brazil as Rosana is replaced by Ester. Defender for a midfielder. 6.33pmAgain Fukumoto is the object in between Brazil and a much-needed goal as she clings onto a well-struck Marta effort. 6.30pmThe Samba nation need to show some urgency, and have responded immediately to Ohno's strike. Cristiane forces Fukumoto into pushing the ball around the post, and the Japanese keeper climbs well to claim the resultant corner. She's been flawless so far. 6.28pmGOAL! Brazil 0-2 Japan But it doesn't look like that will be the case as Japan move into a two-goal lead. Ohno finishes a counter-attack move by cutting inside Erika in the box before bending a left-footed shot in off the crossbar. Brazil have it all to do. 6.25pmMidfielder Bruno is booked for a late tackle. She'll miss Brazil's semi-final clash if they progress... 6.23pmCristiane is starting to get more involved, but is also denied by a flailing Japanese body. Aya Sameshima on hand this time. 6.22pmMarta is starting to get on the ball more than the Japanese would desire. Iwashimizu charges out to block her shot on this occasion. 6.19pmChance at the other end! And it is for goalscorer Ogimi. Japan counter with Ohno, who plays in Ogimi. She dribbles past Erika, rounds the keeper but is then crowded out before she can slot into an empty net. Ogimi should have got her shot away, but also deserves credit, as she could have gone down for a possible penalty once or twice during the attack. 6.14pmGreat chance for Cristiane! I had suggested that Cristiane had been quiet, and ominously so from Japan's point of view. Francielle finds her unmarked eight yards out with a brilliant delivery, but the prolific striker heads onto the roof of the net. 6.11pmSuperb play from Marta down the left, but her cross aimed at Thais is turned away by the Japanese defence. 6.08pmWe've seen virtually nothing thus far from Brazil striker Cristiane, who is the all-time top scorer in Olympic competition. 6.04pmTwo of the world's best players involved here. Firstly, Brazilian Marta is cautioned for a foul, and then from the resultant free kick, Aya Miyama narrowly misses the target. 6.00pmWe are back underway at the Millennium Stadium... 5.55pmHALF-TIME: To slightly amend a famous football clich�, that was a half of two halves. Brazil were dominant in the opening 20 minutes, but could not convert their possession into many chances. When they did, Fukumoto in the Japan net was on hand to deny them a lead. The world champions then found some attacking form themselves, but unlike their opponents, were able to take on of the opportunities that came their way. I promised you an exciting match, and this half-time score is poised to present just that in the next 45 minutes. 5.46pmHALF-TIME: Brazil 0-1 Japan 5.44pmOhno makes sure the referee is aware that Rosana made contact with her when lunging for the ball. A rather theatrical fall as Japan wind the first-half clock down... 5.39pmNervous moments for Japan as Saki Kumaga under-hits a back pass. She is thankful that Fukumoto's reaction time is sharp enough for her to beat Cristiane to the ball and clear the danger. 5.36pmVery ambitious from Marta as she attempts to beat Fukumoto with a 40-yard free kick. 5.33pmThe attendances at the women's matches have been much lower than hoped, but the Millennium Stadium is filling up, with the crowd noticeably appreciating this clash of two of women's football heavyweights. 5.30pmBrazil appear a bit taken aback after conceding the opening goal. Not that Japan aren't an equal match for the Samba nation, but they were so dominant in the first 20 minutes that a Japan goal didn't seem to be on the horizon. However, a five-minute rally has put the world champions well in the ascendancy now. 5.26pmGOAL! Brazil 0-1 Japan After barely having a touch in the opening stages, Japan have stormed into action in this last five minutes and have been rewarded for their recent efforts with a goal. It is Ogimi who makes amends for her earlier miss by slotting home after the Brazil defence failed to deal with a simple through pass from Sakaguchi. 5.25pmAnother opportunity for Japan as Kawasumi heads Ogimi's free kick narrowly over the bar, with Andreia left stranded. 5.23pmExcellent individual run from the captain Miyama, but the end product is just lacking as her bending left-footed shot goes past the post. 5.22pmGreat chance for Japan! Superb feet from Sawa, who plays in Ohno to cross for strike partner Ogimi. She should in turn pass it on to an unmarked Miyama, who would have an easy conversion into an empty net. Instead Ogimi opts to shoot herself to the relief of the Brazil defenders, who are able to block the strike before clearing the danger. 5.20pmSuperb effort from Formiga! The experienced Brazil midfielder links up with Renata Costa before unleashing a first-time effort with the outside of her right foot. Fortunately for Japan, Fukumoto is on hand to palm the 25-yard strike over the crossbar in equally impressive style. 5.18pmOh, wow! Nonchalant clearance from Fabiana as she leaps into the air and back-heels it clear under pressure from Ogimi at the far post. All aboard the showboat! 5.14pmMore evidence of Brazil targeting the small Japanese goalkeeper from corners. Marta swings a pacey ball in and there are bodies surrounding Fukumoto on her goal-line. She gets the benefit of the referee's decision on this occasion. 5.11pmThis latest one proves the most effective as Marta swings a ball over Fukumoto, who manages to clear under pressure from several Brazilian players. Strong goalkeeper from the 5ft 5inch Japan stopper. 5.10pmA succession of corners for the South Americans - they've had five in the opening 10 minutes. 5.08pmRosanna earns Brazil a corner and they could prove a real danger from set-pieces today given their significant height advantage. How un-Brazilian. 5.05pmBrazil register there first effort on goal, but it is a tame one as Miho Fukumoto gathers comfortably from Francielle's free kick. 5.03pmI've been hyping the Brazilians prior to kickoff, but this one really is all to play for. Remember, Japan are the reigning world champions, having beaten the US in a penalty shootout last year. 5.01pmBrazil stopper Andreia is called into action straight away as Shinobu Ohno forces her to tip over the crossbar with a well-hit volley. 5.00pmWe are underway in Cardiff... 4.58pmThis promises to be the most exciting of the day thus far. Well I shouldn't promise, but everything suggests it may well be... 4.55pmThe teams are out and we are almost ready for the third installment of today's football schedule... 4.40pmI'll be bringing you live coverage from the Millennium Stadium in around 15 minutes time. But for now, I need some tea and biscuits. I like to vary my snacks you see. Back shortly! 4.38pmJapan progressed to the quarter-finals with one point less, having been held to a surprise stalemate by South Africa. 4.37pmBrazil were defeated by Team GB in their final group game, but were impressive in victory against both Cameroon and New Zealand. 4.35pmThey face world champions Japan at 5.00pm in a real test of their medal credentials. Five-time Player of the Year Marta will be hoping to inspire the Samba nation to the last four. Read the full team news here. 4.33pmOne of their main rivals for the prize will be Brazil, who are strong on the women's side of the draw as well as the men's. 4.30pmFULL-TIME: The United States join France in the semi-finals, where they may meet Team GB, should Hope Powell's side beat Canada later today. All credit to New Zealand for their effort, but the US were on a different level in terms of quality, particularly going forward. It may not have been Alex Morgan's afternoon, but the fact her replacement, Sydney Leroux, scored the second goal, is evidence of the depth the defending champions possess. They will be sniffing another gold now that they've advanced to the medal matches. 4.22pmFULL-TIME: United States 2-0 New Zealand 4.20pmWe are now two minutes into stoppage time, with the whistle poised to sound and announce America's semi-final qualification at any second... 4.19pmGreat show of commitment from Percival as she makes up all of thirty yards to recover and block a goal-bound shot from Wambach. 4.15pmGOAL! United States 2-0 New Zealand Substitute Sydney Leroux latches onto a long ball from Rampone, shows great strength to hold off Percival and then slots the ball in-between the legs of Bindon. Game, set and match - quite unlike the Federer vs. Del Potro epic currently taking place at SW19. 4.13pmLess than five minutes remaining for the Kiwis to find an equaliser, while the US have the same amount of time to 'hang on' to their narrow cushion. 4.11pmPenalty shout for New Zealand! The Kiwis muster a passing move as good as anything we've seen from either side today as Hearn, Hoyle and White combine down the right. Hoyle finds the later with a clever back-heel and White is felled as she runs into the box. The referee was unmoved however, and replays show she was probably right in her judgement that Kelley O'Hara got some of the ball. 4.08pmIt officially will not be Alex Morgan's afternoon as she is substituted for Sydney Leroux. The striker was worked hard and had her chances today, but just couldn't find the net. 4.06pm.Lloyd enters the referee's book for a late challenge on Hassett. Percival floats the resultant free kick in but Solo claims under no pressure from the New Zealand forwards. 4.04pmBizarrely, a drop ball is given and immediately after the resumption of play, Ria Percival finally gives Hope Solo something to do in the US net. It isn't the hardest save the American stopper has made in this tournament though... 4.03pmThe Americans meanwhile are frustrated that the collision did not result in some sort of punishment for Bindon. They feel the New Zealand stopper fouled Morgan with the striker closing in on goal. 4.02pmThankfully, both players are up on their feet, but the Kiwis are warming-up their replacement goalkeeper as a precaution. 4.00pmMorgan and Bindon had a collision earlier, and they've just had another here. Worryingly, this one looks a little more serious and the medics have come onto the pitch... 3.59pmChange for the US as Heather O'Reilly replaces Megan Rapinoe in midfield. 3.58pmHaving said that, the Kiwis are only one-goal down, and will be pleased that they've managed to reach the last twenty minutes still in a position to get a result. 3.56pmHassett tries an ambitious pass to Hearn, which is cut out by Rampone. More hope than expectation. 3.53pmHoyle has been in the wars today. The Kiwi midfielder is on the floor again after a challenge with Rapinoe. 3.48pmNew Zealand strike pair Sarah Gregorius and Amber Hearn have spent most of the first 62 minutes chasing down the ball in the US half, such has been the American dominance. 3.44pmNot Morgan's day so far. This time the ball drops to her just eight yards out, but her stretching foot can only make minimal contact, allowing Bindon to collect safely. 3.41pmThe US launch a counter after Hoyle's sloppy pass is intercepted by Rapinoe. Morgan latches on to her well-judged ball over the top but can only find Kiwi defender Erceg with her cross. 15.38pmRampone's chipped ball over the top nearly sets Morgan clear once more but Kiwi stopper Bindon is alert to the danger and beats the US forward to the ball. 3.35pmMorgan goes close! Alex Morgan nearly makes my half-time prediction a reality as she brilliantly turns Erceg on the edge of the box, only to fire her shot into the side netting. 3.32pmAnd the action has resumed at St James' Park... 15.28pmHALF-TIME: Abby Wambach's fourth goal in four Olympic matches is the difference on the scoresheet, but the difference on the pitch is much bigger. New Zealand have provided stubborn resistance, but barely looked a threat going forward. The US have been quite the opposite, with the attacking combination of Lloyd, Morgan and Wambach threatening every time they push forward. I imagine it shouldn't be long until one of that trio can increase the American's advantage and virtually secure them of their semi-final berth. 3.17pmHALF-TIME: United States 1-0 New Zealand 3.15pmEntering stoppage time at the end of the first period, of which there will be three minutes... 3.12pmClumsy challenge on Hoyle from Wambach, who earns a yellow card for her troubles. The Kiwi defender has left the field, but is fit enough to return... 3.09pmSmith wins a knock down in the air but none of her New Zealand teammates can react quickly enough as Solo pounces and collects. 3.03pmNew Zealand have posed little attacking threat so far, being limited to a pair of long-range Katie Hoyle efforts. That will need to change if they are to find a way back into this game and elongate their Olympic journey. 2.59pmWambach has now scored in all four of America's matches in the tournament. 2.56pmGOAL! United States 1-0 New Zealand The Kiwi resilience is broken as Wambach and Morgan combine to give the US a deserved lead. Morgan collects the ball on the left corner of the box, cuts inside and tries to bend a shot into the far corner. Her effort may have narrowly been missing the target, but a stretching Abby Wambach diverts it into the net from close range. 2.53pmHoyle has a second effort, but again can't force Solo into making a save. 2.51pmI'd suggest it is a bit early to be ripping your hair out in frustration, Pia Sundhage. The US coach is very animated on the sidelines after Heath's cross, intended for an unmarked Morgan in the six-yard box, is intercepted and cleared by Smith. Stubborn defence from the Kiwis. 2.48pmDouble chance for the US! Le Peilbet puts another cross into the box. This time it is an inviting low cross which just evades a stretching Morgan in the centre of the goal and reaches Wambach at the back post. However, America's all-time top scorer misses an open goal from the tight angle. 2.44pmAmy Le Peilbet's cross briefly looks like it could trouble Bindon, but it lands on top of the Kiwi net. Nervous moments, but no still goalless on Tyneside. 2.40pmWhat a chance for the US! Morgan missed an open goal! Mistake from Abby Erceg in the centre of defence as she miscues her clearance straight into the path of Morgan. The striker rounds Bindon, but then scuffs her shot wide of the far post. 2.38pmLong-range effort from Katie Hoyle for New Zealand, but Hope Solo watches on as the ball rolls harmlessly past her post. 2.36pmLloyd shoots from the edge of the box, but drags it wide. 2.34pmWilkinson's strike from the set piece is blocked by the wall. 2.32pmI've already highlighted a few of America's key players, but New Zealand have a few of their own that are capable of crashing the US party. Amber Hearn is one of them, and she's earned her side a free kick 25 yards out here... 2.31pmIt takes just thirty seconds for Morgan to register a shot on goal, but she miscues it and Kiwi keeper Jenny Bindon can gather. 2.30pmWe are underway at St James' Park. Will the US join France in the semi-finals, or can New Zealand cause a shock against the defending champions?... 2.25pmI'm back, and just in time to see the players take to the field on Tyneside... 2.10pmI'll be bringing you live text coverage from Newcastle in about fifteen minutes, but in the meantime, a bathroom break and bacon sandwich are due. Back shortly! 2.06pmThe US progressed to the last eight with three wins from their three group games, while New Zealand only qualified as one of the best third-place finishers courtesy of their win over Cameroon in their final pool stage fixture. 2.04pmStar names Alex Morgan, Abby Wambach and Carli Lloyd all start for the Americans at St James' Park. Read the full team news here. 2.02pmThe football comes thick and fast today, with defending champions United States in action next against New Zealand. 1.58pmSo, France become the first nation to book their semi-final spot, and deservedly so. Despite being given an assist by Sweden on their two goals, the French were much the better, particularly in the second half, where they kept the ball well and gave the Swedes few opportunities to mount a comeback. Sweden go home disappointed, but France are just one match away from a guaranteed medal. 1.51pmFULL-TIME: Sweden 1-2 France 1.50pmDe Sommer has the perfect chance to wind down the clock in the corner but instead opts to cross to the fury of her manager. Sweden on the attack now... 1.48pmSweden have three minutes to find an equalising goal as we enter stoppage time... 1.47pmDesperation for the Swedes as Fischer takes a punt from long range, which is comfortably held by Bouhaddi, who has been very solid in the French net. 1.46pmFrance make their final change, with captain Thiney walking off very leisurely to be replaced by Catala. 1.43pmDelie chests the ball down and sends a left-footed volley over the bar. No third goal for the French, but that will waste precious seconds... 1.40pmTime running out for the Swedes, with only six minutes left of normal time. It is all France at the moment too... 1.36pmGreat opportunity for France! Abily has the chance to secure the French a last-four berth but Svensson blocks her effort on the line after Necib had found the substitute unmarked with a smart pull back. 1.32pmChances at both ends! Louisa Necib's header across goal from Thomis's cross goes inches wide, before Bouhaddi denies Fischer her second at the other end. 1.29pmSoubeybrand is replaced by Camile Abily for the French, while the Swedes make an attacking substitution - Goransson on for Hammarstrom. 1.28pmBoth sides make a change as we enter the last twenty minutes in Glasgow... 1.26pmI'm waiting for this second-half to spark into action like the first did. The French look the more likely to provide such a spark, with Thomis and Delie looking dangerous on the wings. 1.20pmAt the other end, Sweden register their first effort on target from open play, and despite hitting her strike cleanly, Thunebro is denied by a diving Bouhaddi. 1.18pmSigns that the French are nearing a third as they look to put this game beyond doubt. This time it is Thomis who tries her luck from the edge of the box, but her effort doesn't severely test Lindahl, who gathers at the second attempt. 1.15pmNice feet from Delie as she wrong-foots Sembrant before cutting inside and bending her shot over the crossbar. 1.13pmSchelin finds some rare space as she runs between full back and centre back, only to fire high and wide of the French goal. 1.11pmWell, no, they haven't. They leave Swedish defender Sembrant unmarked in the box, but her header goes narrowly over the crossbar. Lucky escape. 1.10pmBut Sweden now have our first corner of the second half. Have France learnt from their mistakes? 1.08pmMuch like the first-half, this second period has started at a pretty slow pace... 1.03pmAnd play has resumed at Hampden Park, with the French holding a slim advantage... 1.02pmThe players are back out for the second half, having gone over their corner defending tactics on the changing room whiteboard... 1.00pmHALF-TIME: Well, that was an entertaining, albeit error-strewn first 45 minutes at Hampden Park. The importance of defending set pieces well has never been more evident, with both sides conceding after failing to deal with corners and free kicks. Yes, perhaps Sweden's opening goal was slightly fortunate, but it came courtesy of poor defending from the French. That being said, the Swedes were equally, if not more guilty at the other end as they allowed the French centre back pair two simple conversions from close range. 12.48pmHALF-TIME: Sweden 1-2 France 12.45pmTwo minutes added time to be played at the end of this first period... 12.43pmThe French are well on top now, but Sweden are able to clear from a corner on this occasion. Sweden boss Thomas Dennerby will be praying for the half-time whistle. 12.40pmGOAL! Sweden 1-2 France Another goal, and another set-piece that isn't defended properly. I can sense Lawrenson and Hansen salivating ahead of the Olympic 'Match of the Day' equivalent tonight. A free kick comes in from deep, aimed towards Georges at the back post. She heads across the box, where Sweden twice fail to clear, allowing Wendie Renard to smash home powerfully from close range. 12.35pmAfter a frantic ten minutes, this game has settled, with France controlling the pace with some relaxed passing in midfield. 12.29pmGOAL! Sweden 1-1 France France have the ball in the net again, and this time it does count! Again, it is the failure to deal with a corner that results in the goal as keeper Lindahl parries a simple take towards the back post, where Laura Georges is on hand to head home. 12.26pmGreat chance for Sweden! This game is livening up a bit now, and Sweden will be frustrated that they aren't two goals to the good. Marie Hammarstrom finds Lisa Dahlkvist unmarked eight yards out with a pinpoint cross but the midfielder somehow heads straight at Bouhaddi. The French keeper spread herself well, but Dahlkvist will be wondering how she has missed. 12.22pmBall in the net! France respond well and think they have found an equaliser when Gaetane Thiney's header finds the net. However, Delie, who provided the cross, was ruled offside in the build-up. 12.19pmGOAL! Sweden 1-0 France The French fail to react to a warning side from the previous corner as Fischer again gets on the end of the delivery and this time finds the net. Replays would suggest it was slightly fortunate, with the ball going in off her shoulder. Sweden will take it though! 12.18pmNervous moments in the French defence as both Fischer and Linda Sembrant go close in a goalmouth scramble, which is eventually cleared for a corner. 12.16pmAfter a brief stoppage, Schelin is thankfully back on her feet and back in the action. 12.13pmOooooo, that's got to hurt. Schelin clashes heads with France goalkeeper Sarah Bouhaddi after a long punt forward had put the striker through on goal. Bouhaddi gets some of the ball with her clearance, but also floors Schelin with a trailing knee. Ouch. 12.11pmMarie-Laure Delie gets a shot away from a tight angle for the French, but her effort is comfortably held by Sweden stopper Hedvig Lindahl. 12.08pmFirst sign of Thomis's pace as she gets away from her marker down the right, but her cross is turned away from danger... 12.06pmBut it is cleared at the near post. 12.05pmNow to the action. The rain is hammering it down in Scotland, where we have had a tense start to proceedings. France have a corner now though... 12.04pmStriker Elodie Thomis, a goalscorer in two of France's pool matches, will certainly pose a threat to Sweden... 12.03amFor Sweden, forward Lotta Schelin was in impressive form throughout the group stages, while captain Nilla Fischer is the creative spark in midfield. 12.02pmIf you are one of the few people that aren't familiar with women's football, here are a couple of players to watch out for... 12.00pmWe are underway at Hampden Park. Who will be our first semi-finalist? 11.58amThe players are out in Glasgow and the national anthems have been sung, or not sung in some cases. Kickoff is imminent... 11.53amThese two sides are probably considered outsiders for a medal with Brazil, GB and the US still in the competition, but they know if they progress today, anything can happen. 11.51amIt is important to remember what is at stake in today's matches. The four winners WILL play for a medal later in the competition. Whether it is gold or bronze will depend on their semi-final results... 11.48amTeam news is in for the Sweden vs. France clash. Read it here.
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