Glasgow, Scotland – Laura Georges and Wendie Renard scored 10 minutes apart in the first half as France edged Sweden, 2-1, on Friday to make the semifinals of the women's Olympic soccer tournament.
Nilla Fischer gave Sweden the lead in the 18th minute, but Georges answered in the 29th and Renard followed with the game-winner in the 39th at Hampden Park, as France avenged a loss in the third-place match of last year's World Cup.
France will play 2011 World Cup winner Japan in the semifinals Monday at Wembley Stadium in London, England. Japan defeated Brazil, 2-0, to advance.
Sweden defeated France, 2-1, in the third-place match of the World Cup and got off to a good start in the Olympic rematch when Fischer directed a corner kick into the goal with her shoulder inside 20 minutes.
France was level before the half-hour mark as Sweden goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl failed to clear a corner and Georges pounced with a header at the back post to tie the match.
The French scored the winner 6 minutes before half as Georges headed a pass to the middle of the area that took a deflection to Renard, who scored from a few yards out at the right post.
Sweden has failed to medal in five Olympic Games, while France is one win from securing a medal in its first appearance.
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