TOKYO, Japan – GK Stephanie Labbe made two saves to help secure a 4-3 penalty shootout win for the Canadian Women’s National Team against Brazil following a 0-0 draw in the quarterfinals of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics on Friday at the Miyagi Stadium in Rifu, Japan.
Canada are now through to the semifinals and will have an opportunity to play for a third consecutive medal.
The two sides sized each other up in the first 45 minutes, with both sides having chances, including a pair of attempts from Janine Beckie.
Labbe was not really tested in the first half, but early in the second stanza she was called upon to make a save on an Andressa effort from distance.
Canada then sent a warning shot on the hour mark with a Vanessa Gilles header that struck the crossbar on a free kick whipped in by Beckie.
Labbe was called into action again in the 71’ parrying wide a tricky Marta shot from outside the area.
No goals were found before the full-time whistle, so extra time was required in search of a winning goal. But both defenses tightened up even more in the additional frame, so matters had to be decided from the spot.
Brazil took the early advantage with Marta converting and Christine Sinclair seeing her attempt saved, but Labbe would turn the tables in Canada’s favor by denying both Andressa and Rafaelle to help secure the 4-3 shootout victory.
