FIFA World Cup-winning U.S. fell to a surprise 1-0 defeat to Canada in the semi-finals of the women’s Olympic football tournament on Monday.
Jessie Fleming grabbed the winning goal with a 75th minute penalty kick.
In the gold medal match, Canada will face winners of the other semi-final between Australia and Sweden which was being played later on Monday.
The crucial moment, in a game which had produced little incident, came when Tierna Davidson challenged Deanne Rose on the edge of the penalty area.
After a video review, a penalty kick was awarded.
Canada’s veteran striker Christian Sinclair initially had the ball in her hands, but Fleming took the responsibility and kept her cool to slot home.
The U.S., pre-Games favourites for gold medal, went close to an equaliser when Carli Lloyd struck the bar with a header.
But Canada held on for a famous victory —- and their first-ever appearance in the Olympic final.
The Americans had won the Olympic women’s football tournament four times and have not been beaten by Canada for over 20 years.
