Canada advanced to the knockout stages of the Paris Olympics against all the odds following a 1-0 victory over Colombia in Marseille.

The defending Olympic champions had won both their group matches, but were docked six points after being found guilty of using a drone to spy on New Zealand’s training session ahead of their opening match of the Games.

It subsequently saw head coach Bev Priestman banned from football-related activities for a year, and despite appealing the decision, saw it rejected.

However, Vanessa Gilles’ header proved to be the difference as she rose highest to meet Jessie Fleming’s corner kick delivery in the 61st minute.

While Canada only took three points from their group games, they joined both Spain and the United States as the only teams to win all their games at the tournament so far.

Colombia, who started the day’s action in second, settled for third spot but advanced to the knockout stages as one of the best third-placed teams and will face Spain.

Canada, meanwhile, will continue their quest for a second Olympic triumph in the Parc des Princes on Saturday where they will face Germany.

Like we said, we #NeverBackDown #CANWNT #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/vAWW0DxRzy

— CANWNT (@CANWNT) July 31, 2024

In the other Group A fixture, hosts France confirmed their place in the knockout stages of the competition after a hard fought 2-1 triumph over New Zealand.

Marie-Antoinette Katoto scored the opening goal of the game in the 22nd minute, only for Kate Taylor to respond for the visitors two minutes before the interval.

Katoto, who scored a brace against Colombia in their opening group game, notched her second double of the tournament late on to take her tally to five at the Games and secure top spot for the French.

France will next be in action this Saturday in Nantes, where they will face Brazil, who will be without veteran striker Marta following her red card against Spain earlier in the day.