Internationals – Spurs Women duo kick-off Tokyo Olympic campaigns

Women’s first team players Shelina Zadorsky and Ria Percival kicked-off their campaigns today (Wednesday 21 July) at the summer Olympic Games in Tokyo.

In Group E, Rio 2016 bronze medal-winner Shelina played the full game as Canada began their tournament with a 1-1 draw against hosts Japan. The North American side had the lead with just six minutes on the clock at the Sapporo Dome in Hokkaido as Christine Sinclair tapped home. It was an advantage they had to battle to keep though as the hosts rallied back, almost levelling from the penalty spot nine minutes into the second period, only for Stephanie Labbe to produce the save to deny Mina Tanaka.

Japan weren't to be left empty handed though as six minutes from time, a clever chipped finish from Mana Iwabuchi saw the spoils shared. The point sees Canada sitting second, two points behind Great Britain, after the first round of matches.

In Tokyo, however, there was disappointment for Ria in the opening game of her fourth Olympics as New Zealand fell to a 2-1 defeat to neighbours Australia. Goals from Tameka Yallop and Sam Kerr inside the opening 33 minutes put the Matildas in control at the Tokyo Stadium, giving New Zealand a mountain to climb in the capital. They battled to get back into the game, but it wasn’t until the first minute of injury time at the end of the second half when the Football Ferns were able to find a way past the Australian backline. Substitute Gabi Rennie provided the lifeline for New Zealand however, with time against them, they were unable to find the desired equaliser.

It's Chile up next for Shelina's Canada on Saturday (8.30am kick-off) while Ria's New Zealand take on the USA later the same day (8.30pm kick-off).