Football at Tokyo Olympics: Canada women win gold; Mexico men settle for bronze

This was a maiden third place finish for El Tri while the North Americans also topped the podium for the first time.

It was another night full of nail-biting moments as Canada clinched the gold medal in women's football at the Tokyo Olympics. In the men's bronze medal match, Mexico beat Japan to take home the prize. Canada and Sweden's gold medal clash went into the shootout after a 1-1 raw in regulation time.

Canada, against all the odds, defeated mighty Sweden to clinch an historic gold at the Tokyo Olympics. The North American side won it after a thrilling shootout, that saw plenty of kicks being missed. Here are key talking points from both Olympic encounters in Tokyo.

Cordova shines in Mexico's bronze medal win

Sebastian Cordova scored one and assisted two in Mexico's comfortable victory. The midfielder converted a penalty in the 13th minute to score his fourth goal of the tournament. He then assisted Johan Vasquez in the 22nd minute. Cordova's second assist of the night came when Alexis Vega scored in the 58th minute to put Mexico 3-0 up.

Operating as a No. 10, Cordova's movement both on and off the ball was crucial in Mexico's tempo upfront. Prior to today's impressive performance, the 24-year-old scored two and assisted one in Mexico's 6-3 quarterfinal win against South Korea.

A fitting end to Alexis Vega's impressive tournament

Alexis Vega has been one of the brightest U-23 players at the Tokyo Olympics, ending the tournament with three goals and two assists. The CD Guadalajara attacker scored one against Japan to secure the bronze medal, concluding the tournament in a befitting manner.

Unlike his previous goals in the tournament which would see him drift inside from the left, Vega converted a header. He headed in Cordova's free-kick to end Japan's hopes of making a comeback. Although the Japanese side scored a consolation goal late into the second half, Vega's goal cushioned Mexico's comfort.

Blackstenius & Fleming score in tight match again for Sweden

It took Stina Blackstenius just 34 minutes in the gold medal match to score her fourth goal of the tournament. with a wonderful finish off a first touch. Kosovare Asllani's ball from the left was well met by the BK Hacken FC forward to give Sweden the lead early in the gold medal match at the Tokyo Olympics.

For the Canadians, Jessie Fleming's penalty in the 68th minute evened things up. It was Fleming's penalty against the USWNT that sealed Canada's victory in the semi-finals. Scoring in the shootout later, the Chelsea midfielder maintained her 100% record from the spot, netting three from three in the tournament.

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Resilient Canadian defence force penalty shootout

Sweden's attack has proven to be ruthless for the sides that have come up against them. The Swedes took the USWNT by storm in the tournament opener and scored 14 goals throughout the competition. But, against an organized Canadian defence, they lacked that lethal touch to their finish.

Canada defended deep with numbers in the box and looked to be composed in decisive moments. After a scramble inside the box, Canada somehow managed to make a goal-line clearance in extra-time to force a penalty shootout. It won't be an understatement to say that a resilient defensive display, coupled with a brave goalkeeping performance, gave them a shot at the gold medal.

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Stephanie Labbe's heroic shootout gives Canada the gold

Stephanie Labbe pulled off two stunning saves in the penalty shootout as Canada won their first gold medal ever. After both sides missed three of the first five penalties, it was Labbe's save that put Canada on the brink. Julia Grosso, 20, then stepped up and scored to give Canada their first moment of football glory at the Olympics.

Earlier, Kosovare Asllani and Caroline Seger missed the target for Sweden and Labbe denied Jonna Andersson and Anna Anvegard from the spot.

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