No. 8 CanWNT pushes through spying scandal, defeats No. 2 France to keep quarter-final hopes alive

The GIST: From No. 12 Australia and No. 64 Zambia’s 11-goal showdown to No. 1 Spain’s last-minute win over No. 36 Nigeria, yesterday’s six group stage games more than delivered — but No. 8 CanWNT’s ongoing drone scandal continues to cast a cloud over the thrilling tourney.

CanWNT head coach Bev Priestman suspended, team docked six points: On Saturday, FIFA banned Priestman and two staffers allegedly involved in the spying scandal for one year and deducted six points (teams earn three for a win, one for a draw, zero for a loss) from CanWNT’s group stage total, making it extremely difficult (but not impossible) for the defending gold medalists to advance.

• Priestman publicly apologized to the players just before they took the field against No. 2 France, and the red and white powered through to eke out a gritty 2–1 stoppage time comeback win. Never, ever, ever quit.

No. 5 USWNT clinches quarter-final spot with commanding 4–1 win over powerhouse No. 4 Germany: The Americans put on their strongest offensive performance in years with a first-half brace from forward Sophia Smith, plus goals from winger Mallory Swanson and late sub Lynn Williams.

• One hiccup? Stalwart center back Tierna Davidson’s first-half injury, which appears to be a lower leg issue. Stay tuned for updates on her status ahead of Wednesday’s sure-to-be-epic group stage finale.