The Women’s Olympic Football Tournament at Tokyo 2020 was an edition like no other. The COVID-19 pandemic meant most of the matches were played behind closed doors – but the galaxy of stars on show still provided thrilling action for fans to enjoy at home.
Going into the Games, the most goals recorded in a single instalment of the tournament was 71 at London 2012. That tally was obliterated in Tokyo. An incredible 101 goals were scored, with an average of 3.88 per match.
The six Group F matches provided some 43 of those – and memorable matches included the Netherlands’ ۱۰-۳ win over Zambia and a barnstorming 4-4 draw between China PR and the Copper Queens. The Dutch and Brazil also shared six goals, before Vivianne Miedema and Co put eight past China.
USA hit New Zealand for six in Group G, meanwhile, and the goals kept flowing the knockout phase. Ellen White plundered a hat-trick and Sam Kerr was at the double as Australia edged Great Britain 4-3 in a quarter-final for the ages. The Matildas were later beaten by the same scoreline in the bronze medal match, with USA triumphing thanks to braces from Megan Rapinoe and Carli Lloyd.
Stina Blackstenius scored the tournament’s 100th goal, netting Sweden’s opener in the Yokohama final. Canada equalised through Jessie Fleming, however, before prevailing on penalties as a breathless tournament concluded in the most dramatic fashion
