[Jeff]

Thanks to a lone goal by Haiti in its 5-1 loss to Mexico, Canada has squeaked by Mexico on goal differential in the group standings, and advances to the semi-final on Thursday.

However, thanks again to Haiti in its 2-1 defeat of Canada last week, the Canadians finished in second place in the group standings, meaning our S-F opponent will be the USA. This pretty much eliminates any chances we had of qualifying for one of the two CONCACAF spots in Beijing.

The winner of the other S-F, between Honduras and Guatemala, will also qualify for Beijing.

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USA and Mexico were the heavy pre-tournament favourites to qualify. Canada has failed to capitalize on the disappointing showing of Mexico (which has led to loud calls for the coach Hugo Sanchez to resign).

 

[Jeff]

To nobody's surprise, since they lost to Haiti, Canada also lost to the United States in the semifinal, 3-0, so we're out of the Olympics for another four years.

Meanwhile, the women's Olympic qualification tournament begins April 2, and Canada has a decent chance of qualifying.

 

[Jeff]

Update:

The women did qualify for the Olympics.

Here's the Group Round schedule and results:

Aug. 6 - Canada 2-1 Argentina
Aug. 9 - China 1-1 Canada
Aug. 12 - Canada 1-2 Sweden

 

[Jeff]

Canada has qualified (just barely) for the Quarterfinal match against USA. That should put an end to any medal hopes.

The match will be shown live at 6 a.m. EDT on Friday August 15. TV coverage on CBC-TV and CBCsports.ca.

 

[Jeff]

As expected, Canada lost to the USA 2-1 and was eliminated from the Olympics.

It was coach Even Pellerud's last game - THANK GOD!