And we’re off! Sweden's footballers beat South Africa in opening game of Rio 2016
Olympic Games up and running as Sweden claim narrow victory over South Africa in women’s football tournament
Sofia Jakobsson of Sweden battles for the ball with Stephanie Malherbe of South Africa (Photo: Getty Images/Buda Mendes)
Nilla Fischer claimed the first goal of the Olympic football tournament on Wednesday afternoon (3 August) as Sweden defeated South Africa 1-0 at the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
In the first action of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, both teams started slowly, but the Swedes looked the more confident after the break.
Both teams were struggling to break the deadlock until a goalkeeping error about 30 minutes into the second half gifted the Scandinavians a goal.
Fischer celebrates scoring the first goal of the Rio 2016 Games (Photo: Getty Images/Buda Mendes)
South Africa’s keeper, Roxenne Barker, could not keep hold of a cross that then fell precariously on the line before Fischer snapped up what had become an easy tap in.
That goal may help Sweden seal qualification out of a tough group that features World Cup quarter finalists China and hosts Brazil.
The match was the first of six on the first day of competion in the women's tournament, with Brazil v China and defending champions the USA v New Zealand the highlights later today. See the full schedule.
