US women beat Germany 4-1 at Olympics and Canada tops France 2-1 amid drone-spying scandal

MARSEILLE, France (AP) — Coach Emma Hayes tempered expectations as the United States cruised to a 4-1 win over Germany on Sunday night for a spot in the quarterfinals at the Paris Olympics.

Sophia Smith had a pair of goals for the Americans, who have won their opening two matches in France. Mallory Swanson and Lynn Williams also scored against Germany.

“We haven’t done anything, let's be frank,” Hayes said. “We’ve got three points against a really good German team. That’s is all it is, nothing more.”

The Americans are playing their first major tournament under Hayes, who took over the U.S. team in late May.

Hayes is tasked with leading the Americans as they seek to distance themselves from the disappointment of last summer’s Women’s World Cup, when they crashed out in the round of 16.

The United States is the winningest team in the Olympics, with four gold medals. The Americans won the bronze medal at the Tokyo Games under former coach Vlatko Andonovski, who resigned following the World Cup.

Smith started for the United States after leaving the opener in the first half with what appeared to be an ankle injury.

Ten minutes into the match, Smith struck a cross from Trinity Rodman that sailed past German goalkeeper Katrin-Ann Berger.

Giulia Gwinn equalized in the 22nd minute with a low, bouncing shot from well outside the penalty area that eluded diving U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher.

Swanson put the United States back in front in the 26th. Berger punched out an attempt from distance by Smith, but Swanson picked up the rebound for a goal. It was Swanson’s third goal of the Olympics.

Swanson is the second player to score three goals in the group at an Olympics, joining Abby Wambach in 2012.

Smith scored her second in the 44th minute on a high-arcing shot that hit the far post and caromed into the goal.

“Anytime I’m in a position to get a touch, shift and shoot. I’m doing to take it,” Smith said.

Williams, a substitute, added the final goal in the 89th minute and fans in Marseille chanted “USA! USA!” as time ran down.

U.S. defender Tierna Davidson left the match with an injury and was replaced by Emily Sonnett.

Alexandra Popp left in the 76th minute with what appeared to be a right leg injury. It was a blow to Germany, which was already playing without midfielder Lena Oberdorf (knee).

The United States plays Australia in Marseille on Wednesday to conclude group play. Germany, which defeated Australia in its Olympic opener 3-0, plays Zambia in Saint-Etienne.

Vanessa Gilles scored in the 12th minute of stoppage time against France to keep alive Canada’s hopes of advancing.

Canada looked to be heading out of the tournament before its final Group A match when the game was tied 1-1 in Saint-Etienne.

A six-point deduction for the drone-spying scandal meant only a win would be enough to give the defending Olympic champion any chance of advancing.

Gilles converted via the post from close range to seal the comeback win after Jordyn Huitema’s shot was saved.

Marie-Antoinette Katoto had put France ahead in the 42nd and Jessie Fleming evened the match in the 58th to give the Canadians hope.

The win still leaves Canada on zero points despite back-to-back wins because of the sanctions by FIFA.

Canada was looking into an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport over the ruling.

Australia produced a stunning comeback to beat Zambia in Nice and boost its chances of advancing to the quarterfinals the tournament.

Michelle Heyman’s goal in the 90th minute at Stade de Nice settled a thrilling match that Zambia led 5-2 early in the second half, with Barbra Banda scoring a first-half hat trick.

“We would not have wanted it to go exactly how it did, but I think the way that the game ended says so much for the hardened spirit of this team,” said Australia's Steph Catley, who scored twice. “We knew we could get back into it, we knew we could score more goals.”

Zambia had been involved in the highest scoring game in the history of women’s soccer at the Olympics — beaten 10-3 by the Netherlands at the Tokyo Games three years ago, with Banda scoring a hat trick in that match too.

An own goal by Ngambo Musole sparked Australia’s fightback in the 58th.

Two more goals from Catley — a free kick in the 65th and a penalty in the 78th — evened the score and set up the dramatic finale.

Heyman had come on as a substitute in the 57th and slotted home the winner for the Matildas, who were World Cup semifinalists last year.

Australia lost 3-0 to Germany in its opening game in Group B and was looking set for a second defeat after Zambia raced to a commanding lead.

As well as Banda’s hat trick, Racheal Kundananji scored twice. Alanna Kennedy and Hayley Raso scored in the first half for Australia, which plays the United States in its final group game.

Zambia plays Germany.

Momoko Tanikawa scored a long-range goal deep in stoppage time to clinch Japan’s comeback win over Brazil.

The spectacular goal followed Saki Kumagai's equalizer from the penalty spot after Yasmin was called for a handball at the end of regulation at Parc des Princes in Paris.

Brazil was leading 1-0 after Jheniffer's goal in the 56th minute until Japan's late goals, capped with Tanikawa's strike from well outside the top of the box that caught Brazilian goalkeeper Lorena out of position.

Brazil's Marta put her head in her hands in disbelief on the bench. A victory would have all but assured Brazil a spot in the knockout round.

Brazil started Marta, the team's longtime captain who is playing in her sixth Olympics.

A record six-time world player of the year, Marta has said this will be her last major tournament with Brazil. Every time that the 38-year-old got a touch on the ball Sunday night the Paris crowd cheered.

She nearly scored in Brazil's 1-0 victory over Nigeria in the team's opener, but the goal was called back by video review. But the win over Nigeria was a valuable three points for the Brazilians who won't know their fate in Paris until after the last group matches on Wednesday.

Brazil dominated possession in the opening half. Mina Tanaka had a good chance for Japan in the 19th minute, but her shot went just wide. Later in the half she missed on a penalty. Tanaka has 37 goals in 82 appearances for Japan.

Japan lost its opening match 2-1 to Women's World Cup winner Spain.

The top two teams in each of the three groups, including the top two third-place teams, advance to the quarterfinals.

World champion Spain beat Nigeria to make it two wins from two in Group C.

Alexia Putellas scored in the 85th at Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes to leave Spain three points clear at the top of the group, ahead of Japan and Brazil.

The game was goalless going in to the final stages when Putellas curled a long free kick past goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie into the top corner.

Colombia recovered from opening loss to France by beating New Zealand in Lyon.

Goals from Marcela Restrepo and Leicy Santos secured the win that provisionally moved the Colombians level on points with France in Group A.

World Cup quarterfinalist Colombia took an early lead through Restrepo in the 27th and Santos sealed the win in the 72nd.

Despite back-to-back losses New Zealand is still above last-place Canada, which was handed a six-point deduction after the drone spying scandal.

AP Soccer Writer James Robson and AP's Barbara Surk contributed to this report.

AP Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games

Canada's Vanessa Gille celebrates scoring her side's second goal during the women's Group A soccer match between Canada and France at Geoffroy-Guichard stadium during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Saint-Etienne, France. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

Canada's Vanessa Gille, left, celebrates with Kadeisha Buchanan their side's 2-1 win during the women's Group A soccer match between Canada and France at Geoffroy-Guichard stadium during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Saint-Etienne, France. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

Canada's players celebrate after Vanessa Gille, bottom center, scored her side's second goal during the women's Group A soccer match between Canada and France at Geoffroy-Guichard stadium during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Saint-Etienne, France. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

Nigeria's Esther Okoronkwo, left, vies for the ball with Spain's Alexia Putellas during the women's Group C match between, Spain and Nigeria, at La Beaujoire Stadium, during the 2024 Summer Olympics Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Nantes, France. (AP Photo/Jeremias Gonzalez)

Spain's Alexia Putellas reacts during the women's Group C match between Spain and Nigeria, at La Beaujoire Stadium, during the 2024 Summer Olympics Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Nantes, France. (AP Photo/Jeremias Gonzalez)

Japan's Tanaka Mina, center, reacts during the women's group C match between Brazil and Japan at the Parc des Princes, during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)

Japan's Tanaka Mina reacts during the women's group C match between Brazil and Japan at the Parc des Princes, during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)

Brazil's Jheniffer celebrates scoring her team's first goal with teammates, during the women's group C match between Brazil and Japan at the Parc des Princes during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)

Japan's players celebrate after winning against Brazil, during the women's group C match between Brazil and Japan at the Parc des Princes, during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)

Zambia's players leave the pitch after losing 5-6 against Australia during a women's group B soccer match at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Nice, France. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Zambia's goalkeeper Ngambo Musole, left, is comforted by goalkeeper Catherine Musonda after a women's group B soccer match between Zambia and Australia at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Nice, France. Australia won 6-5. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Australia's Michelle Heyman celebrates after beating 6-5 Zambia during a women's group B soccer match at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Nice, France. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Australia's Michelle Heyman, left, celebrates scoring her side's 6th goal with Caitlin Foord during a women's group B soccer match between Zambia and Australia at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Nice, France. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

United States' Rose Lavelle celebrates after teammate Mallory Swanson scored their side's second goal, during the women's Group B soccer match between the United States and Germany at the Velodrome stadium, during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Marseille, France. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)

Players from the United States celebrate after Sophia Smith scored their side's first goal, during the women's Group B soccer match between the United States and Germany at the Velodrome stadium, during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Marseille, France. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)

United States' Sophia Smith celebrates after scoring her side's first goal, during the women's Group B soccer match between the United States and Germany at the Velodrome stadium, during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Marseille, France. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)

LONDON, Ky. (AP) — Authorities were searching Sunday for a man who may have been linked to the shooting of nine vehicles and wounding of five people on a highway in rural southeastern Kentucky.

Although they said they could not yet name him a suspect in Saturday's shootings along busy Interstate 75, authorities said they consider 32-year-old Joseph A. Couch a “person of interest" and were searching for him in a remote area of rugged and hilly terrain north of London, a community of about 8,000 people roughly 75 miles (120 kilometers) south of Lexington.

“We’re going to go in and we’re going to find this guy,” Deputy Gilbert Acciardo, a spokesperson for the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, told reporters Sunday.

Authorities consider Couch, who is white, to be armed and dangerous, and they cautioned members of the public who might spot him not to approach him.

Acciardo said authorities were notified at about 5:30 p.m. Saturday about gunshots along the highway near exit 49. An individual who was “off that exit” fired multiple rounds into the northbound and southbound lanes, striking nine vehicles and wounding five people, he said.

“When our first two units got to the scene there, they said it was a madhouse: people on the sides of the road, emergency flashers going, bullet holes, windows shot out, nine vehicles shot. Can you imagine that? Just chaotic,” Acciardo said during a news conference.

The wounded were hospitalized in stable condition early Sunday. Some had “very serious” injuries, including one person who was shot in the face, Acciardo said.

Residents of Laurel County were on edge as authorities searched on foot Sunday in a remote wooded area near the highway that has only one business and a few houses nearby. London Laurel Rescue squad sent a drone to assist. State lawmakers from Laurel County urged residents in the area to stay home during the search.

“We had numerous calls throughout the county and we’re still getting them this morning," Acciardo said, of calls from concerned community members. “This is a remote area. If he was going to target some place that he wanted to do something like this, it was the perfect spot.”

Authorities believe there was only one shooter, and Acciardo said they do not think the shooting was sparked by road rage. Authorities released a photo of Couch and warned residents to be on the lookout, but Acciardo cautioned that they “have not determined that this is the individual that fired the weapon.”

“We do have the area contained right now. It’s a very fluid investigation. Our people are still on the scene. Our special response team is there. We are trying to find a shooter there,” he said.

In an video update on Facebook late Saturday night, London Mayor Randall Weddle tried to calm fears. He urged residents to call 911 if they hear or see anything suspicious near their homes.

“We’re asking folks please do not go outside your home shooting because we might have first responders in that area. It's important to know you are safe. We have multiple agencies in this community, in the city of London and in Laurel County," Weddle said.

Weddle said searchers “know the general area where this individual is,” but he would not release specific details.

“I am receiving initial reports from the Kentucky State Police and our Office of Homeland Security — together we are actively monitoring the situation and offering support in any way possible,” Gov. Andy Beshear said in a post on X. “Please pray for everyone involved.”

Deputy Gilbert Acciardo, public information officer with the Laurel County Sheriff's Office, gives details Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, on the progress of the investigation into the shooting along Interstate 75 on Saturday in London, Ky. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)

Deputy Gilbert Acciardo, public information officer with the Laurel County Sheriff's Office, gives details Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, on the progress of the investigation into the shooting along Interstate 75 on Saturday in London, Ky. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)

Deputy Gilbert Acciardo, public information officer with the Laurel County Sheriff's Office, gives details Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, on the progress of the investigation into the shooting along Interstate 75 on Saturday in London, Ky. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)

Deputy Gilbert Acciardo, public information officer with the Laurel County Sheriff's Office, gives details Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, on the progress of the investigation into the shooting along Interstate 75 on Saturday in London, Ky. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)

Deputy Gilbert Acciardo, Public information Officer with the Laurel County Sheriff's Office, gives details on the progress of the investigation of the shooting along I-75 in London, Ky., Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)

Deputy Gilbert Acciardo, Public information Officer with the Laurel County Sheriff's Office, gives an update on the progress of the search for the suspect linked to the shooting along I-75 in London, Ky., Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)

This image released by the Mount Vernon Fire Department shows traffic stopped during an active shooting on Interstate 75 north of London, Ky., Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Camden Mink/Mount Vernon Fire Department via AP)

This image released by Kentucky’s London Police Department shows Joseph A. Couch, a person of interest in the Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, shootings on Interstate 75 near London, Ky. (London Police Department via AP)

Deputy Gilbert Acciardo, Public information Officer with the Laurel County Sheriff's Office, gives details on the progress of the investigation of the shooting along I-75 in London, Ky., Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)