Canada tops New Zealand to open Olympic women’s soccer after drone scandal, Spain rallies past Japan

Evelyne Viens scored in the 79th minute to give reigning Olympic champion Canada a 2-1 victory over New Zealand on Thursday in a match that was overshadowed by allegations of drone surveillance at the Ferns’ practice.

Viens, who came into the match as a substitute in the 67th, took a long pass from Jessie Fleming and tucked it into the goal at the opposite post 12 minutes after entering.

Mackenzie Barry gave New Zealand the early lead with a goal in the 13th minute, but Cloe Lacasse equalized for Canada in first-half stoppage time.

The Group A match in Saint-Etienne was controversial before the start when two Canada staffers were sent home early for their alleged involvement with drones that were reported over a pair of New Zealand’s practices.

Canada played the opener without coach Bev Priestman, who stepped away from the team for the match to show accountability. However, she was adamant at practice Wednesday that she had no knowledge of the drone use.

FIFA has opened a disciplinary inquiry into the matter, and Canadian Soccer launched an independent review.

The drone scandal marred the tournament’s start. Canada won bronze medals in both the 2012 and 2016 Olympics before winning a gold in Tokyo.

New Zealand announced a day before the match that captain Ali Riley could not play in the Olympics because of an unspecified injury.

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Jayde Riviere of Canada was ruled unavailable earlier Thursday because of an ankle injury. Shelina Zadorsky replaced her on the roster for the match.

The Ferns, playing under interim coach Michael Mayne, were making their fifth straight Olympic appearance. New Zealand’s coach, Jitka Klimkova, decided to step aside for the Olympics in late June after an independent workplace employment investigation.

Klimkova was cleared in the investigation, but she did not feel there was enough time to heal the environment before the tournament.

Spain 2, Japan 1

World champion Spain came from behind to beat Japan in Group C thanks to a goal and an assist from Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati.

Playing in its first Olympics, Spain fell behind at La Beaujoire Stadium in Nantes after Aoba Fumino’s brilliant long range free kick flew into the top corner in the 13th.

Spain might have had flashbacks to its 4-0 loss to Japan at last year’s World Cup, but Bonmati — who has dominated the individual awards in women’s soccer over the past 12 months — leveled the game nine minutes later when rounding goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita.

She provided the assist for Mariona Caldentey to score the winner in the 74th with a curling shot into the bottom corner.

Germany 3, Australia 0

After its humbling group-stage exit from the Women’s World Cup last year, Germany got off to a flying start at the Olympics by beating Australia in Marseille.

Marina Hegering and Lea Schueller scored headers from corners in either half and Jule Brand fired in a third for the No. 4-ranked Germans from close range.

World Cup semifinalist Australia lacked firepower without talismanic striker Sam Kerr, who is recovering from ACL damage.

Hegering’s far post header gave Germany the lead in the 24th and Schueller rose highest to convert a second in the 64th.

Brand had a simple finish from close range after Sarai Linder’s low cross to the far post in the 68th.

Brazil 1, Nigeria 0

Gabi Nunes scored in the 37th minute and Brazil went on to defeat Nigeria in Group C in Bordeaux.

Marta, a six-time world player of the year, started for Brazil in her sixth Olympics. The 38-year-old captain has said this will be her last major tournament with the national team.

Brazil’s players were looking to send Marta off with a title in a major championship, something that has eluded her. Brazil has never won a gold medal in the Olympics but claimed silver in 2004 and 2008.

Nigeria advanced to the knockout round at last year’s Women’s World Cup.

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AP Soccer Writer James Robson, in Marseille, France, contributed to this report.

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