Good afternoon and welcome to Sports Mole's live text coverage of the final group stage matches of the women's Olympic football competition.
In action at 19.45 is Team GB, who have already qualified for the latter stages and face the biggest test of their medal credentials thus far in the shape of Brazil, who are also safely through after two games.
The other Group E match between New Zealand and Cameroon is not a dead rubber however, as the winner may yet progress as one of the best third-placed teams.
It is all to play for in Group G, which has two important contests scheduled to kickoff at 17.15.
We'll be bringing you live commentary on USA vs. North Korea, while also keeping tabs on France vs. Colombia. All four teams are still in with a chance of qualification.
Before that, we'll be starting our coverage at St James' Park, where Canada face Sweden in Group F at 14.30, while also keeping you up to date with events at the Millennium Stadium, where Japan take on South Africa.
Which eight nations will progress to the quarter-finals?
22.00That concludes our coverage from today's Olympic football. Be sure to join Sports Mole tomorrow when the fate of the men's teams will be decided. Thanks for joining us today! Over and out...
21.58And finally Team GB continued their impressive start to the tournament with a fantastic 1-0 victory over Brazil. Both the hosts and the Samba stars had already qualified prior to kickoff, but New Zealand needed three points to have any chance of qualification. They were able to gain that tally courtesy of a 3-1 win over Cameroon.
21.55The United States qualified with three wins from three after recording a 1-0 win over North Korea, who narrowly missed out on one of the best third-placed spots. France won by the same scoreline against Colombia to progress and knock out their South American opponents.
21.52Sweden and Canada both progressed from Group F following their 2-2 draw, while Japan joined them in the last eight despite being held 0-0 by South Africa.
21.49Here is a round-up of today's action then...
21.47The other quarter-final ties see USA take on New Zealand, Sweden face France and Brazil meet world champions Japan in arguably the pick of the fixtures.
21.44Team GB had already progressed before tonight's match but that doesn't take anything away from their result tonight. An early goal from Steph Houghton earned Hope Powell's side a 1-0 win over medal contenders Brazil and showed the rest of the competition their own medal credentials. They will face Canada in the next round.
21.40Goals from Robin Smith and Sarah Gregorius in addition to an own goal from Sonkeng have seen New Zealand qualify for the quarter-finals. They finished behind both GB and Brazil in Group E but advance as one of the best two third-place finishers at the expense of North Korea on goal difference.
21.34FULL-TIME: New Zealand 3-1 Cameroon
21.32FULL-TIME: Team GB 1-0 Brazil
21.31Entering stoppage time at both Wembley and the City of Coventry Stadium...
21.30Safe hands again from Bardsley as she holds on to Rosana's shot.
21.29It is looking good for New Zealand, who have managed to withstand the Cameroon comeback.
21.26Great block from Alex Scott as she prevents Cristiane's strike heading on its destined path towards the top corner. That could be crucial.
21.23Slight concern for GB as Carney limps off injured. Smith has also left the field with Ellen White and Farah Williams on for the last five minutes...
21.20GOAL! New Zealand 3-1 Cameroon Onguene pulls one back for Cameroon. New Zealand have 10 minutes to hang on to this two-goal cushion...
21.19Nothing comes from it as Andreia punches clear...
21.17Smith earns GB another free-kick in a promising position...
21.13Free header for Jill Scott as Carney finds her unmarked at the back-post with a free-kick. Her effort balloons over the crossbar though.
21.10Twenty minutes left as Little forces Andreia into another save. The Brazilian has certainly been the busier of the two keepers...
21.06Excellent play from Asante as she makes up a good 15 yards to recover and nick the ball from Cristiane as Brazil looked dangerous on the counter.
21.03GOAL! New Zealand 3-0 Cameroon Gregorius makes it three for New Zealand and their spot in the last eight is now all but ensured.
21.00Another effort from Marta but Bardsley gets a boot to it to divert it away from goal. GB will be hoping that penalty miss isn't costly.
20.57Missed! Opportunity wasted! Smith's penalty is tame and close enough to the middle for Andreia to palm it away.
20.56Penalty! Aluko is tripped by Francielle and the referee points to the spot. Definite penalty!
20.55GOAL! New Zealand 2-0 Cameroon Sonkeng puts in her own net to give New Zealand some daylight in their quest for quarter-final qualification.
20.52Ester sends a shot goalwards but it is well held by a diving Bardsley. First real test for the GB stopper.
20.48Fantastic chance for Smith! What an opportunity for GB to double their advantage. Aluko delivers a pinpoint cross to Smith but her header is straight at Andreia in the Brazil net.
20.47It takes Marta all of one minute to register her first effort of the second half, but her left-footed strike is high and wide.
20.46Play has resumed at Wembley and too at the City of Coventry Stadium...
20.43However, England have their own dangermen, or in this case, dangerwomen. If they can get the ball to Carney, she may be able to orchestrate a second goal for Hope Powell's team.
20.40Of course Brazil have plenty of attacking threats who are fully capable of finding their side an equaliser, if not more. Five-time Player of the Year Marta has been ominously quiet and all-time Olympic top-scorer Cristiane has missed a couple of decent chances so far. You have a feeling they will have a bigger say in the second period.
20.38Team GB have already qualified for the quarter-finals and their route there has been impressive thus far. Brazil arguably finished the stronger in that half but GB enter a goal to the good thanks to Steph Houghton's 2nd-minute strike. A win here would really display GB's potential medal credentials.
20.34New Zealand have given themselves a real chance of progressing to the last eight. If they can hold on to this lead they will edge North Korea to one of the best third-place positions.
20.32GOAL! New Zealand 1-0 Cameroon
20.31GOAL! Great Britain 1-0 Brazil
20.30GOAL! New Zealand 1-0 Cameroon New Zealand have boosted their qualification hopes after taking a 42nd-minute lead against Cameroon. Stand-in captain Smith powers home a header from a corner.
20.28Francielle tries to catch out Bardsley with a long-range effort but the shot misses the target.
20.26Carney and Smith are the key to the Team GB attack. Every time they link up, Hope Powell's side look dangerous.
20.24Superb from Karen Carney. She has really impressed me throughout the tournament, and she links up superbly here with Smith before lobbing a ball through to Kim Little. Unfortunately the Scot is just pipped to the pass by Maurine and Brazil can clear.
20.20We are still goalless in Coventry, but New Zealand have just struck the post with a 25-yard half-volley. Fine effort.
20.17These two teams might be known more for their passing football, but this game is turning out to be quite a physical battle. Bruno picks up a caution for a particularly robust challenge on Smith, who has been the victim of several heavy challenges thus far.
20.15Excellent effort from Kelly Smith! Houghton's long ball is nodded down by Karen Scott and Smith's first-time half-volley flies just a few yards past the post.
20.13That's a real striker's challenge from Marta as she floors Karen Carney with a late tackle.
20.12Matt's fine stint is now over and I am back with you. The momentum is swinging Brazil's way here. Marta is slipped through but before she can shoot on goal, Bradley comes across to clear the danger.
20.08Off the post! Renata Costa strikes the woodwork with a header. The forward climbs above Alex Scott at the back stick to nod Francielle's deep cross into the post. Narrow escape.
19.59The match has just settled down after a lively opening. Just a reminder that both these teams have already booked their spot in the latter stages.
19.57Just a half-chance for Team GB as Smith finds Jill Scott in the area, but the ball just drifts away at the vital moment. 12 minutes gone.
19.55Ever so sloppy from Team GB at the moment as Kelly Smith gives possession away, they just need a spell with the ball here.
19.53Another chance comes and goes for Brazil as Cristiane tries her luck from close range, but once more, it is wide of the post.
19.51Chance! Big chance for Brazil as Cristiane strikes from outside the box. However, it just moved wide of the post.
19.49Some start that. Let's not forget, Brazil are among the favourites for this tournament. It's important that Team GB just keep hold of possession for the time being.
19.47Oh my word! Before we have time to breathe Stephanie Houghton rounds the goalkeeper before finding the back of the net. Brilliant. That's her second goal in three games.
19.47GOAL! Team GB 1-0 Brazil (Houghton)
19.45Hello all! Joe is taking a break, so I, Matthew, shall lead you through the next few moments. Team GB get us underway.
19.20I'll be back at 19.45 to bring you live coverage of Team GB vs. Brazil from Wembley, while I'll also be keeping tabs on the action at the City of Coventry Stadium. See you shortly!
19.17Still to come tonight we have the final round of Group E matches. Here is the team news ahead of those contests. Great Britain vs. Brazil and New Zealand vs. Cameroon.
19.16France are also through after a fairly comfortable 1-0 victory over Colombia, who exit without picking up a single point.
19.14United States advance to the quarter-finals with a perfect group-stage record. Their first-half performance today was a marker of how well they can play and proved that they are the team to beat at this competition. Korea were stubborn in defence and foiled the Americans well in the second period, not allowing them to add to Abby Wambach's 26th-minute opener. They will have to wait on the result between New Zealand and Cameroon before knowing their fate though...
19.08FULL-TIME: France 1-0 Colombia
19.05FULL-TIME: USA 1-0 North Korea
19.03Two chances for the US to wrap up the result as firstly Lloyd's effort is saved comfortably by Chang, before O'Hara sends a dipping effort over the crossbar.
19.01It is getting awfully feisty at Old Trafford. If the US can survive this last three minutes without conceding an equaliser or picking up any injuries, they will be content with their day's work.
19.00Entering the last five minutes at St James' Park, where France still lead and thus, Colombia are still heading out.
18.56Morgan looked set to secure the result after being played in by Wambach, but the striker is crowded out by a trio of recovering Korean defenders.
18.53RED CARD! Second-half sub Gyong has been dismissed after two rash challenges. The Korean midfielder has been incensed ever since Lauren Chainey caught her with a late tackle ten minutes ago and her red mist has now seen her sent off. The second caution was for an act of revenge on Chainey, but Gyong has been given her marching orders and the US are set to win. So I wonder who has won that battle?
18.50Nothing spectacular from the US in this second half, but they are keeping the ball well now after Korea had enjoyed an improved five-minute spell.
18.47Yellow card for Gyong as the Koreans begin to get frustrated.
18.41The midway point of the second half has been and gone at St James' Park and Colombia have still not managed to find an equaliser. With a win needed to stand any chance of qualification, things are appearing bleak.
18.39For the first time, Korea open up the US defence. A fine cross-field pass finds Yong, but her left-footed effort is feeble and comfortably gathered by Solo.
18.36Although North Korea have been totally outplayed today, and have yet to register a shot on target, they are still only one-goal down. Remember, an equaliser would earn them the point that would see them progress to the quarter-finals.
18.34Korea make a change in a bid to find a way back into the watch. Kim Song Wi has been replaced by Choe Mi Gyong.
18.31Rio Ferdinand and Javier Hernandez are among interested spectators in the crowd. That's a very loose use of the word 'interested'.
18.27After a slow-paced start to the second half, the US are just stepping it up a gear now. Lloyd, Heath and Wambach link up nicely down the left but cannot find a final ball this time.
18.22Great chance for America! Unsurprisingly, the second period begins as the first ended, with the US battering the Korean goal. This time it is half-time substitute Heath who is wasteful as her attempted chip goes over the bar.
18.20And in Newcastle...
18.17Back underway in Manchester...
18.12How the US don't lead by more than one goal is a mystery. They've been dominant throughout. Twice denied by the post, once the assistant referee's flag and once more by a fine save from Korea stopper Chang. Their own keeper, Hope Solo, has been a virtual spectator. I wouldn't blame her for resting herself in one of the thousands of empty seats at Old Trafford during the second half, which will begin very shortly.
18.05HALF-TIME: France 1-0 Colombia The half-time whistle at St James' Park is delayed for a few minutes due to a nasty looking injury suffered by Colombia midfielder Catalina Usme. She seemed to twist her knee under a challenge from goalscorer Thomis and has been stretchered off. To make matters worse for the South Americans, they are 45 minutes away from Olympic elimination...
18.01HALF-TIME: USA 1-0 North Korea
17.57I have a weather report from Old Trafford. It is raining American chances. This time it is Lloyd who has the effort on goal, which ends up just over the bar from 18 yards.
17.55Double chance for the US! Lloyd's cross into the box is too far away from Wambach to make sufficient contact, but she can guide it onto the post. O'Reilly rushes in to tap home the rebound but can only find the side netting under pressure from Chang.
17.53No luck on this occasion for France, but they are enjoying a sustained period of pressure on the Colombian goal.
17.52In Newcastle, France have a corner of their own. Can they double their lead and make sure of their quarter-final spot?
17.50Twice Korea clear behind at the expense of America's sixth and seventh corners. Stubborn defending from the Asian nation though as they clear the danger on both occasions.
17.48Morgan earns the US another corner, and with Wambach the target, they've looked dangerous from every one of them.
17.44Nearly a second for Wambach, who powerfully directs a header goalwards from an O'Hara cross. Chang covers her ground well to push the ball round the post though.
17.41GOAL! United States 1-0 North Korea The Korean resistance is broken as the US finally find a breakthrough. Lloyd's pass finds Morgan in the box, who is quickly closed down. The striker originally tries to find space for a shot herself, but then decides to play in an onrushing Wambach instead and the captain couldn't miss from six yards. Well-deserved opener.
17.38First effort on goal for Colombia, and it is a very tame one that is easily collected by Bouhaddi.
17.35Hmm, now that is a rad ambitious. Korea's slight resurgence in this match forces an optimistic effort from Rapinoe. Unfortunately, there are no fans in the upper tier to retrieve her misdirected shot.
17.30Off the woodwork! The US are getting closer and closer. Superb work from Wambach down the left as she beats two Korea players before passing inside to Morgan. She turns first time onto her left foot and shoots across goal. Chang is beaten, but is saved by her post. Inches.
17.27GOAL! France 1-0 Colombia Thomis scores a fifth-minute opener for the French to put them a step close to qualification. Not looking good for Colombia at present, who are yet to pick up a point in the competition.
17.25I have a traffic report from Old Trafford. It is one way.
17.23Disallowed goal! Chang is beaten, but Wambach is flagged for offside. Carli Lloyd dinks a ball in over the top and Wambach finishes with a smart volley, but the tall American was a couple of yards offside.
17.19Debutante stopper Chang called into action again as Morgan forces her into a tidy stop at her near post. Could be a busy afternoon for the 19-year-old by the look of it!
17.17Pacey start from the US as Rapinoe goes charging down the left and fires a cross into the box. It isn't dealt with by Korea stopper Chang and the ball is cleared for a corner.
17.15We are underway in Manchester and at St James' Park, which is hosting the France vs. Colombia clash...
17.12The right flag is being presented, and the right anthem being played for North Korea, so no delay in kickoff today!
17.10The players are out at Old Trafford ahead of the national anthems.
17.00Just resolving the last of our technical issues, short-term sacrifice for long-term reward! Hopefully, fingers crossed, we can be with you throughout the rest of today's action. USA vs. North Korea and France vs. Colombia scheduled to start in around 15 minutes...
16.47Colombia have everything to do. They need to beat France and hope North Korea lose to the US to have any chance of advancing. The French, like Korea, need just a point to make the last eight.
16.45With two wins from their opening two games, defending champions USA have already guaranteed qualification. A point for North Korea will also see them progress as one of the two best third-placed finishers.
16.38The team news is in for the 17.15 kickoffs. United States vs. North Korea and France vs. Colombia.
16.28The Swedes took a 2-0 lead courtesy of a quickfire double - Hammarstrom and Jackobbson netting respectively. However, a brace from the superb Melissa Tancredi, both of which were provided by the equally impressive Sinclair, levelled the match for Canada, who advance as one of the best third-placed teams.
16.24A result that will satisfy both teams at St James' Park as both Sweden and Canada progress to the last eight.
16.22FULL-TIME: Japan 0-0 South Africa A great result for minnows South Africa against the world champions. Having said that, Japan still progress to the quarter-finals, while their opponents finish bottom of Group F with just a solitary point.
16.20FULL-TIME: Sweden 2-2 Canada
16.20Instead they go short to Tancredi, who has been fantastic all match. She shields the ball in the corner and runs down the clock for a precious few more seconds...
16.19Late corner for Canada, who could just steal the points with a goal here.
16.18Just minutes to hang on for South Africa, who are so close to earning their first point of the competition.
16.16From what I understand, that total was reached due to a nasty injury to South Africa's Modise, who was stretchered off midway through the second period.
16.15Still goalless at the Millennium Stadium as we enter stoppage time, of which they'll be five minutes.
16.12A double change for Canada as they introduce some fresher legs into midfield and an extra body at the back. All about holding out for the North American nation now.
16.08GOAL! Sweden 2-2 Canada There is the goal that Canada so badly needed, and it is little surprise who is the source. Tancredi bags her fourth goal of the tournament with a brave header from a Sinclair cross. Those two have been a class apart from anything else on the pitch today.
16.03Canada are pushing for the equaliser they need to guarantee them a quarter-final spot. Captain Sinclair has just seen her shot fly narrowly over the bar.
16.02Fortunately, you haven't missed much! There has been no further goals in either of this afternoon's matches. Scores update: Sweden 2-1 Canada and Japan 0-0 South Africa.
16.00Apologies Mole followers for the lack of updates, we've just been having a few technical difficulties with the system but I've been informed everything should be okay now...
15.31We are also back underway at St James' Park, where Canada need to find a goal to ensure themselves a last-eight berth.
15.30Play has resumed in Cardiff. Can South Africa shock the world champions?
15.25As it stands, Sweden top the group with seven points, while Japan sit in second with five. South Africa will definitely be out unless they can find a winning goal against the world champions and Canada could face the same fate should they not find an equaliser in Newcastle.
15.21Japan have had the majority of possession at the Millennium Stadium, but haven't been able to convert that into noteworthy chances.
15.19There has been much more action at St James' Park however. Canada started and ended the half much the stronger and earned their reward courtesy of a Melissa Tancredi effort in the closing stages of the period. Unfortunately for the Canadians, they were dominated during the middle stages of the half and Sweden were able to build a two-goal lead courtesy of a quickfire double- Hammarstrom with the first and Jakobsson with the second.
15.16HALF-TIME: Sweden 2-1 Canada
15.15HALF-TIME: Japan 0-0 South Africa The referee brings a fairly uneventful 45 minutes to a close in Cardiff.
15.12GOAL! Sweden 2-1 Canada Did I say Sweden were in control? While I'll have to amend that statement slightly now as Canada have pulled one back courtesy of Tancredi. Right-back Wilkinson steers a cross towards the back post and Tancredi ghosts in between two Swedish defenders before guiding the ball into the net. Three in three now for the midfielder.
15.08 While in Cardiff, South Africa are proving stern opposition for Japan, with the match still at a stalemate.
15.07 Just to remind you, a quickfire double has put Sweden in control against Canada in Newcastle....
15.05Around 10 minutes plus added time to be played in the first half of both matches...
15.01Superb individual play from Schelin, who wriggles past two or three Canadian defenders in the far right corner before bursting into the box. Her cut back, intended for Fishcer, eventually finds Jackobsson, whose shot on goal is blocked and then cleared to safety.
14.56Fantastic effort by South Africa! More sloppy play from Japan sees them twice give away possession to South Africa, and on the second occasion, Modise unleashes a 30-yard thunderbolt which goes narrowly over the crossbar. The same player scored a 45-yard lob against Sweden, an effort which has led to her being described as 'the South Africa Xabi Alonso'. She hasn't really. Well, not until now.
14.53Optimistic penalty appeal for the Canadians as Sinclair goes down under the challenge of Jackobsson. Replays show the Swede clearly got some of the ball.
14.50Still goalless in Cardiff with 20 minutes played. South Africa are giving a good account of themselves against one of the favourites for a medal.
14.46GOAL! Sweden 2-0 Canada Bang, bang. Two quick goals have killed the Canada momentum and left them with a real uphill task here. It's a role reversal of the previous effort as Hammarstrom crosses for Jakobsson to unconvincingly knee home at the back post. Poor goalkeeping from McLeod thought, who completely misses the ball when she came to collect the cross.
14.44GOAL! Sweden 1-0 Canada Against the run of play, the group leaders have gone ahead. A lovely move from the Swedes is finished smartly by Hammarstrom from six yards. Jakobsson with a fine assist.
14.42Double chance for Canada! Tancredi slides in Sinclair with a fine through pass, but the experience international is foiled by Lindahl. With the goalkeeper off her line, Tancredi tries to chip the ball into an empty net but there isn't enough weight behind her effort and Neilson can clear for Sweden.
14.39In Cardiff, a sloppy back pass nearly allows South Africa an early chance on goal, but goalkeeper Kaihori just clears in time.
14.37In-fact, they turn that possession into a real chance here as Sinclair fires in a superb first-time ball into that famous 'corridor of uncertainty'. Tancredi, who has netted in both of Canada's previous matches, stretches out a leg but cannot make contact.
14.35Fairly bright start for the Canadians, who have kept the ball well.
14.32And we are also underway at St James' Park, where we will be focusing our attention for the next 90 minutes...
14.30World champions Japan have also secured their qualification for the last eight, while South Africa need to win in Cardiff to stand any chance of advancing to the quarter-finals. Play has begun there...
14.28Just to clarify the situation here. The top two teams from each group, plus the best two third-placed finishers, qualify for the quarter-finals. Sweden currently top Group F with four points and are effectively through, while Canada need to avoid defeat to guarantee their progression.
14.27National anthems being proudly sung. They've been a bit of a controversial topic so far during the Games haven't they?
14.25The players are out at St James' Park, or the Sports Direct Arena. Call it what you will.
14.20Team news is in for this afternoon's matches, here it is. "Sweden vs. Canada", "Japan vs. South Africa".
Written by
Joe Fish
Joe Fish
