August 6 – The women’s Olympic football final between Sweden and Canada has been shifted to a different venue and different kick-off time because of heat and pitch concerns.
The finalists had been due to play at the main Olympic Stadium in Tokyo at 11am on Friday, but with temperatures expected to rise to 32C at lunchtime the showpiece match will be staged at 9pm instead, in Yokohama.
World federation FIFA said the switch had been made “to provide the best possible conditions for the players and having taken into consideration the impact of weather conditions”.
But players had voiced concern in the build-up to the final. “To even consider playing a final at 11:00 local time in Japan is a direct danger to the players’ health due to extreme weather conditions,” tweeted Sweden and Chelsea goalkeeper Zecira Musovic.
Sweden coach Peter Gerhardsson welcomed the shift and said that “It’s not just a good decision, it’s a very, very, very, very, very good decision!”
Canada’s Ashley Lawrence added words of approval: “I know this group is so good at adapting so we were ready for the 11am kick-off,” she said. “But I think it’s great that we can play at 9pm. Just with the weather and for both teams, it’s going to make for a better game.”
On Thursday, the United States claimed the bronze medal to gain some redemption for an underwhelming tournament with a 4-3 win against Australia following double strikes from both Megan Rapinoe and Carli Lloyd.
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