The stage was set for the finale of a tumultuous group stage for both Canada and Colombia. Dronegate had overcast two gritty 2-1 wins over New Zealand and France, coming back from 1-0 down in both games to overset their six point deduction. Colombia, meanwhile, had been without their star striker Mayra Ramirez since the opening game, where her straight red card saw her miss the following two games.

With fate seemingly against both sides, the two met in Nice, with Colombia topping the group and Canada playing catch up to keep their Olympic fight alive. Here are four things we learnt from Canada’s clash with Colombia.

When Equals Meet: Rose vs Caicedo

Harvard’s Jade Rose has made a name and a home for herself in Canada’s backline. Her youthful defending has in recent times been a breath of fresh air, as Canada transition to a back three. Nothing showed that more than her match up with Colombian star child, Linda Caicedo.

The Real Madrid youngster is often the talk of the Colombian National Team. With her technique and ability to slip out of tight spaces, Caicedo is one of the hardest attackers to defend in the game. And yet, the equally youthful Rose handled her with grace and decorum.

Where Caicedo is sharp and wriggly, Rose is levelled and strong. It’s not easy for defenders to keep the Colombian in check, but Rose handled her like a a seasoned professional. A perfectly matched pairing, the two went toe-to-toe in the box, equal with every step.

A glimpse at a future of young attackers meeting their defending equals, Caicedo and Rose presented, in Nice, a future of equilibrium in game play, and tantisiling matchups.

Same Old Canada

A style in football is a treasured thing. It is an identity and a global mission. And yet, for many years, Canada have not adapted or strayed from theirs. Even when goals are sparse and adaption could be the key, they never seem to switch it up at all.

Canada love to build out wide, before sending balls into the box for chances on goal. With an array of pacy wingers in the likes of Cloé Lacasse, Jordyn Huitema, and Evelyne Viens, it is no wonder this is the preferred method of attack. It is modern and stylish, and allows for the most control. However, as far back as Tokyo 2020, Canada have struggled for goals.

With no change in style or substance, Canada’s overall lack of exactitude and composure in front of goal has meant a flurry of late winners is not uncommon. 112th and 79th minute winners in this Olympics alone have demonstrated that whilst Canada will fight until the end, they never make to easy for themselves in the lead up.

Exact in buildup and connections amongst the team, Canada’s lack of precision in front of goal is hurting no one but themselves. Waiting for shootouts may have won them a competition before, but scoring goals in the thick of it is what they need if they wish to retain gold.

God Bless Vanessa Gilles

The hero in Saint-Étienne, the hero in Nice. The hero in Canadian hearts. Vanessa Gilles come up trumps time and time again for Canada in the road to a place out of the groups.

Gilles is the profile of defender you send up top when goals are needed. Her 5’9 frame adds height and aim in moments when it’s key. Scoring now with both her head and feet this Olympics, Gilles is becoming a symbol of the Canadian fight back, and showing up when it is most needed.

Aside from her goals, the Angel City/Olympique Lyonnais player is a stalwart at the back. Strong, decisively and smooth in her defending, her impact is felt across the pitch. A key factor in Canada’s low conceeding abilities, with Rose, Kadeisha Buchanan and Kaylan Sheridan, Gilles works unbelievably well as a brick-wall defender. Her immense strength, talent, and precision is felt across the pitch, and across her roles.

The Colombian Fight

No Mayra Ramierz stung for Colombia. There is no doubt about it. The centre of their attack, and a vocal point for goals, her red card in the opening game was a massive blow to their campaign. But the side took to the game against Canada, and showed what they are made of.

Caicedo is a shining star for Colombia. But their talents do not stop with her. Katherine Tapia showed her experience and expertise in goal. Strong between the sticks, she made life difficult for Canada throughout the game and punished their lack of clinical finishing with stronger saves.

Colombia shone on the counter-attack. Whilst the side let Canada dictate play, well thought out and structured counters threatened to hurt the reigning champions throughout the match. Caicedo and Manuela Pavi worked well out wide, with Jorelyn Carabali fighting in behind.

Colombia may have only made one substitution, but the obvious game plan and identity the the side is building shone through the glimpses of moments where they got to rule the game. Life sucked without Ramirez, but her return for the quarter final against Spain adds to a team performance that adapted and fought in her absence.

Colombia and Canada both booked their place in the quarter finals. Colombia face the feet of reigning FIFA Women’s World Cup champions in a fixture that will promise stylish football and even more stylish goals. Canada are set to face Germany. With both countries trying to right the wrongs of last summer in Australia and New Zealand, a place in the semi-finals is the minimum expectation for both sides.