The reigning Olympic champions, Canada got the ball rolling with a 2-1 victory over New Zealand at Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium in the Paris 2024, taking the spotlight off the ongoing scandal.
The regular match took a dramatic twist before the Paris 2024 Olympics when Canada, the 8th-ranked team, was under investigation for spying with drones at the New Zealand team’s practice.
Turning into an espionage scandal hanging over the tournament. The Canadian team found them in a tough spot when spying on the opponent’s practice became the reason for the spotlight. 
Suspension and Withdrawal of Coaching Staffs
Consequently, the Canadian team’s coach suspended Joseph Lombardi, the assistant coach and Jasmine Mander, the team members in question at Paris 2024. Further Bev Priestman, the head coach announced the decision to voluntarily withdraw from coaching against New Zealand.
Bev Priestman, Canadian women’s coach later said in a statement, “I am ultimately responsible for conduct in our program. In the spirit of accountability, I do this with the interests of both teams in mind and to ensure everyone feels that the sportsmanship of this game is upheld.”
The Match
Under the veil of scandal, Canada took a hit by Mackenzie Barry in the 13th minute, giving New Zealand a head start in Paris 2024. Despite Kailen Sheridan’s best efforts, the ball looped past the Canada goalkeeper. The Canucks, however, soon ended their reign as Cloe Lacasse equalized in first-half stoppage time for Canada, providing a sigh of relief.
The second half seemed to be one-way traffic for Canada, setting the Ferns in a tough spot. During the 79th minute, 12 minutes after Evelyne Veins came on as a substitute, the game took a turn for the better. Despite the Ferns’ best efforts, Jessie Flemings’ inch-perfect cross to Veins with the perfectly timed goal made them remember who they were facing.
After a nail-biting eight minutes of added-time, the match finished 2-1 in favour of the Canadians. Even with the chaotic pre-match scandal, Canada was too strong for the Olympic minnows, who at best reached the quarterfinals in the 2012 quarterfinals.
The team is aiming to make a fourth straight Olympic podium appearance, following bronze medals in 2012 and third in Rio 2016. Canada is hoping to reach the top spot once again in Paris 2024.
